What Was It Like To Live In A Castle?

Most medieval castles were built of stone, which made them dark and cold. The lack of privacy was a result of the crowded conditions and the smell was probably due to the rat problem.

Source: www.timesfreepress.com

What were the living conditions like in a medieval castle?

The living conditions in a medieval castle were very different from what we experience today. Windows were narrow, open slits that allowed little sunlight or fresh air into the room.

Toilets were benches with holes in them, and waste would drop into a stinky cesspit or the moat. Life was dark and cold, with only candles for light.

Were castles clean or dirty?

Castles in the Middle Ages were often dirty due to the lack of running water and poor sanitation practices. They also had limited hygiene options, making them difficult to clean.

Was living in a castle cold?

Castles in the Middle Ages could be quite cold depending on the weather. Open hearths kept the castle warm and later, walls were filled with fireplaces to keep it even warmer.

Were there bathrooms in castles?

Castles often had bathrooms for their occupants. These were usually located in the garderobes, which were indoor toilets common during the medieval period.

Waste was dropped into a pit below to be removed and these pits are still visible near some modern castles.

Did castles have windows?

Castles didn’t have many windows, as they were mostly used for defense. Windows were only seen on the top floor during the Renaissance and were made out of different materials such as wood or metal.

Later on, glass was put in windows to make them more visible.

How did they keep warm in medieval times?

In medieval times, people would often wear cloaks and other clothing to keep warm. They would also rely on a hearth fire that was circulated by smoke from the home.

Homes didn’t have central heating systems like we do today so they were generally very smoky. Clothing also helps protect us from colder temperatures, as well as trapping our body heat.

How often did they bathe in medieval times?

People didn’t bathe in the middle ages. Anglo-Saxons thought Vikings were overly clean and they only bathed once a year.

How did they shower in medieval times?

Medieval people bathed using ewer and basin methods. They would fill the basin with water, place their washing materials in the bottom of the bowl, and wash themselves from head to toe.

Hand-washing was also popular at this time; people would scrub their bodies with a mixture of soap and water. Finally, medieval bathtubs were filled by hand with cold water and used for bathing faces and feet.

What is a living room called in a castle?

A solar was a room in many English and French medieval manor houses, great houses and castles. They were mostly on an upper storey, designed as the family’s private living and sleeping quarters.

Within castles they are often called the “Lords’ and Ladies’ Chamber” or the “Great Chamber.” The solar is now mainly used for formal events such as weddings.

Do castles have living rooms?

Castles in the Middle Ages typically had living rooms on the first floor. This space was not big enough for everyone, so most people lived on the second floor.

There wasn’t room to have a regular bedroom on the first floor, so these rooms were usually used as bedrooms for important guests or family members who needed access to them quickly.

What did it smell like in the medieval times?

People in the medieval times had to deal with a lot of smell. They didn’t have garbage disposal, so all their waste went into the streets. There was a lot of disease everywhere, and people bathed in dirt and filth to try to stay clean.

What did they eat in castles?

People in medieval castles typically ate meat-based meals. Supper was served around sunset and people ate with their fingers off of bread plates called trenchers.

Dessert was a luxury, but commoners could enjoy berry pies or simple fruit salads.

Did medieval castles have rats?

Castles were often filled with stores of surplus grain, vegetables and herbs. The cool, dark interior provided a suitable habitat for rats and mice. The wallsed towns that castles resided in were susceptible to rat infestation.

Rodents escaped from the storerooms into the streets where they could cause havoc. By throwing away leftovers near walls or doors, we can help prevent rat infestations.

How did they poop in castles?

Castles during the Middle Ages were known for their lavish bathrooms. One of the ways they dealt with waste was by using a makeshift toilet that was made from a wooden bench.

The wood was cut with a rectangular or keyhole aperture, so it could fit through any type of door. Hay, grass, or even moss were used as toilet paper. Toilet hay is referred to by medieval writers, oddly enough.

How did castles get water?

Castles had to find ways to capture and control water. They would use many different methods such as ditches, moats, and drawbridges. These structures allowed them to protect themselves from attack while still being able to irrigate their gardens.

How did people wipe before toilet paper?

People have used a variety of natural materials to wipe before they went to the bathroom for centuries. The most common method was wiping with stones or other natural materials such as sand, mud, and leaves.

Water or snow were also sometimes used as rinses. Tersorium (also known as xylospongium) and sponge on a stick are popular today. Cotton balls can be used in place of toilet paper if necessary.

Why do castles have no roofs?

Castles have no roofs because the shape of the roof was initially debated and it was used for various purposes, especially during a battle. Today, due to its historical significance, most castles keep their roofs.

What were castle floors made of?

The floors of many castles were made out of a variety of materials. The upper floors were supported by wooden or stone pillars, while the lower floors were either beaten earth, stone, or plaster.

Why did they put straw on castle floors?

Castle floors were often covered in straw to help dissipate any odours that may have been present. Straw was also a popular flooring material because it caused no damage to the floors when removed, and it looked elegant.

How did cavemen survive winter?

Some early humans may have migrated north about 45,000 years ago in order to escape the cold. They would wrap themselves up with loose fitting clothing and use stone chiseled into winter shapes to keep them warm.

The cavemen probably wore this type of clothing year-round because it helped protect them from the elements and made it easier for them to sleep.

How did Vikings survive winter?

The Vikings were a hardy people who depended on their skills as hunters and warriors to survive the harsh winters. They used skates to travel over frozen lakes and rivers, making it a popular means of transportation in colder months.

Horses helped with transportation across areas that were frozen solid. In addition, Viking homes had heated floors so people could stay warm even when outside.