Aston at 50: The Paternoster Lifts

Many still remember the Main Building's old paternoster lifts and - as this clip from ATV's 1966 film about Aston shows - they were not for the faint-hearted (or the slow-footed).
They were probably decommissioned in the 70s.
Aston University celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2016. Find out more about our half century of history and contribute to our celebrations yourself by visiting www.aston.ac.uk/50

[@PatriciaFoggon]

I loved using these. I was at Aston 1973 - 1976.

[@d7106]

That is fantastic! I wish they were here now!

[@louiselailey]

Im a rollercoster fan, and I remember walking into the dental hospital for a day course thinking wtf is that? I used it regardless and it was the scariest ride I've been on by far. But they were a real showpiece, glad I got to see them in action and try them out. 😊

[@DJ_Dopamine]

Thank God they were removed before I went to Aston!! The red and blue skylifts were fun though, even if I often got static shocks from them...

[@peterwendyosborn3867]

Used these in 1966 when at Aston. The brave went over the top just for the hell of it. Moved a lot of people fast.

[@stevejoel9531]

Been there, did that 74-78.

[@amandastone3270]

Had these at Birmingham Poly Perry Barr site too.

[@JamesSmith-lq1se]

patanoster lifts are still in regular use at sheffield uni.can carry more passengers to their required floor than a modern lift.recently been officialy proven.

[@kale6802]

Alas, class of '97 so we had the glass elevators instead. Imagine the palpitations these lifts would cause the modern day H&S police......

[@OrbvsTomarvm]

HAHAHAH luk at al dis charlys i bet dey gots cawt an al der heds fell offs HAHAHAHH