Did Medieval People Take Baths?

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!