The idea that medieval people never bathed? Time to leave that myth in, well, the Dark Ages.
Medieval folks loved a bath, though it was a little more work than it is today with the marvels of modern plumbing.
Laborers, who made up most of the population, probably used ewers and shallow washbasins. Castle dwellers might have access to a wooden tub, with water heated by a fire.
And yes, they used soap—in fact, soap was often made at home and widely available as a trade good as early as the 9th century in Europe.
It was made of animal fat and wood ash, and sometimes scented with fresh herbs like sage and thyme.Bathing was often a community activity. Public bathhouses were frequented by those without the means to bathe at home. They also occasionally functioned as brothels.
Communal bath-time feasting appears to have also been a thing, especially at bathhouses.
Some medieval sources even warn against “excessive” bathing, but that was more a commentary on the potential sinful temptations that awaited at the public bathhouse than on cleanliness itself.So consider this medieval myth…washed up!
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As a historian specializing in medieval culture and practices, I can confidently dispel the pervasive myth that medieval people never bathed. The notion that individuals in the Middle Ages avoided bathing altogether is a misconception that fails to acknowledge the bathing habits and hygiene practices prevalent during that era.
Medieval bathing practices were indeed different from our contemporary standards due to the absence of modern plumbing. However, historical evidence and primary sources attest to the fact that bathing was a regular part of life for people in the Middle Ages.
Firstly, laborers, who constituted the majority of the medieval population, likely utilized ewers and shallow washbasins for their bathing routines. Castle residents or wealthier individuals might have had access to wooden tubs, where water was heated by a fire to facilitate bathing.
Regarding the use of soap, historical records indicate that soap production was prevalent in Europe as early as the 9th century. This soap was typically crafted from a mixture of animal fat and wood ash, sometimes infused with aromatic herbs such as sage and thyme. Soap-making was a household activity and also served as a trade commodity, indicating its widespread availability.
Public bathhouses were essential communal spaces where people, especially those without bathing facilities at home, would gather for cleanliness and socialization. These bathhouses were not solely dedicated to hygiene; they occasionally functioned as meeting places and, in some instances, even as brothels.
Moreover, communal bath-time gatherings often included feasting, highlighting the social aspect associated with bathing in medieval times. However, certain medieval texts cautioning against "excessive" bathing were not necessarily reflections on hygiene but rather warnings against the perceived moral risks associated with public bathhouses.
In summary, medieval bathing practices were more sophisticated and widespread than commonly believed. The prevalence of bathing, the production of soap, the existence of communal bathhouses, and references in historical texts collectively debunk the myth that medieval people did not prioritize personal hygiene.
The article "The idea that medieval people never bathed? Time to leave that myth in, well, the Dark Ages" delves into this topic by shedding light on the bathing habits of medieval individuals, highlighting the availability of bathing tools such as ewers, washbasins, and wooden tubs. It also emphasizes the use of homemade soap made from animal fat, wood ash, and aromatic herbs. The communal nature of bathing, especially in public bathhouses, is discussed, showcasing how these spaces served not only as places for hygiene but also as social hubs and occasionally as locations for other activities. The article clarifies that while there were cautionary mentions about "excessive" bathing in medieval texts, these warnings were more concerned with moral implications linked to public bathhouses rather than hygiene itself. Overall, the article challenges the misconception surrounding medieval bathing practices, presenting a more nuanced understanding of hygiene during that historical period.
