For centuries, medieval castles had a unique plumbing system for their toilets, called a garderobe. This early version of the modern bathroom is surprisingly innovative and hygienic and can still be found in many castles today. The garderobe was so advanced for its time that it still stands as a shining example of medieval sanitation and ingenuity, and could even teach us a thing or two about modern hygiene today.

Most medieval castles were equipped with a “garderobe,” which served as the only bathroom facility in the castle. This early version of the modern toilet consisted of a wooden seat connected to a chute that ran down the outside of the castle wall. Because of its strategic placement, wastewaters ran down the outside of the wall and away from the castle, thus keeping the interior of the castle hygienic and sanitary.

In addition to keeping the interior of the castles free of germs and unpleasant odors, garderobes were also designed to conserve resources, a particularly impressive feat for medieval times. By utilizing the power of gravity, garderobes allowed rainwater to be flushed away from the castle, thus reducing the amount of water used in flushing toilets.

Garderobes also served an important aesthetic purpose – they allowed monarchs to demonstrate their wealth and status. Asgarderobes lavishly decorated with tiled floors and tapestries were symbols of power. Today, tourists still flock to castles to admire these impressive garderobes, which still stand out as a beacon of medieval innovation and luxury.

In today’s world, it is easy to forget that medieval castles were much more than simply fortresses; they were also symbols of cleanliness and an area of advanced technological development. Despite the advances of modern technology, medieval castles still offer a glimpse into the past and a valuable lesson in hygiene and sanitation. Not only were garderobes remarkable for their time, but their principles are still relevant today, emphasizing the importance of conserving resources and maintaining cleanliness.