The major support for a balustrade system Newels are larger in diameter than balusters and are located at the bottom and top of a stairway or at a turn in the handrail
The upright post, top or bottom, which supports the handrail of a stairway or landing In circular staircases it is the main post that the staircase winds around
The post anchored to the floor at the bottom of the stairs This post is also used where the stairs change direction at a small landing As styles change, the newel post can remain simple and plain, as for example during the Georgian period, or fancy and carved into shapes like acorns as in Victorian times