How did castles stay warm?

Castles weren't always cold and dark places to live.

But, in reality, the great hall of castle had a large open hearth to provide heat and light (at least until the late 12th century) and later it had wall fireplace. The hall would also have had tapestries which would have insulated the room against too much cold.

How did they stay warm in medieval times?

Like us, they wore cloaks, scarves, boots and gloves (not the five fingered kind we know, but a more mitten like style). Homes were often smokey from a stone hearth fire that was ventilated by a hole in the roof. This provided warmth but not the kind we would be accustomed to for such cold temperatures.

Were castles clean or dirty?

Castles were very difficult to keep clean. There was no running water, so even simple washing tasks meant carrying a lot of bucketfuls of water from a well or stream. Few people had the luxury of being able to bathe regularly; the community was generally more tolerant of smells and dirt.

Did fireplaces keep castles warm?

Fires were a big part of warming castles, yes. Early on, castles had central open hearths in the great hall, but in the later Middle Ages the fireplace was invented, which moved the fire out of the way and provided a better way to control smoke.

Are castles hard to heat?

Although beautiful to look at, life in a medieval castle wasn't always a fairy tale. Thick stone walls, tiny unglazed windows and inefficient open fires made the classic castle something of a challenge to keep warm.

What Life Was Like In Medieval Castles

How did toilets work in castles?

The toilets of a castle were usually built into the walls so that they projected out on corbels and any waste fell below and into the castle moat. Even better, waste went directly into a river as is the case of the latrines of one of the large stone halls at Chepstow Castle in Wales, built from the 11th century CE.

How did they shower in medieval times?

Although medieval people didn't bathe in the morning, they used an ewer and basin to wash their hands and face when they woke up. The same equipment was used for handwashing throughout the day.

Why was there straw on castle floors?

They were used in all areas of the house, including kitchens, dining halls and bedrooms. The herbs were laid on the floor along with reeds, rushes, or straw, so that pleasant odours would be released when people walked on them.

Where did servants sleep in medieval castles?

Most domestic servants would have slept in shared chambers in either the cellars or attics of the castle buildings. There might also be simple buildings outside the castle for herdsmen, mill workers, wood-cutters, and craftspeople such as rope-makers, candle-makers, potters, basket-weavers, and spinners.

Did castles have windows?

Windows in a real castle are rarely seen below the top floor, although they have been added in later times in many castles. Renaissance windows were added to many medieval castles. Early windows were not large, and often were not glazed.

How often did Medieval royalty bathe?

Yes, it's true. Clean water was hard to get but even those, who had access to it, rarely bathed. It is believed that King Louis XIV bathed just twice in his lifetime. Not just him, Queen Isabella of Spain bathed once when she was born and once on her wedding day.

Does anyone still live in castles?

The funny thing is, there are a surprising number of historic castles still in use today. These medieval castles are not only still standing, they remain private residences (at least in part) to families that can trace their lineage back through the centuries.

How did Medieval torches stay lit?

Torch is a rod-like piece of wood with the rag wrapped around one end, which is dipped in some flammable fluid and lit. If that fluid is mixture of sulfur and lime that torch will not extinguish if put into water. Ancient Romans invented and used that kind of torch.

How did Vikings keep warm?

Vikings wore long, warm, wool cloaks over their clothes for warmth outside. Hats were made of wool, leather or fur. Woolen socks kept the feet warm under the shoes or boots, and leather belts pulled the outfits together.

How did Vikings survive winter?

The skill of ice skating was necessary for winter survival and travel. With many of the lakes and water frozen in the areas of the Northmen, it was popular for people to ice skate, and it became a spectator sport, a way to have fun in the cold.

How did Cowboys keep warm in winter?

In rainy, snowy, windy, and/or sleety weather, he pulled up the canvas flaps of his roll and remained snug and warm (the waterproof tarpaulin underneath him kept ground moisture from seeping in). If the roll was covered with snow and ice during the night, the extra weight made it that much warmer inside.

Why did lords and ladies sleep separately?

Lady Pamela explained, “In England, the upper class always have had separate bedrooms. You don't want to be bothered with snoring or someone flinging a leg around. Then when you are feeling cozy you share your room sometimes. It is lovely to be able to choose.”

Do castles have rats?

Rat-catcher

Rats and other vermin flourished inside the walls of medieval towns. Castles — designed to withstand a siege — often contained stores of surplus grain, vegetables, and herbs. Along with their cool, dark interior, these stores provided a superb habitat for rats and mice.

How did knights go to the bathroom?

While wearing all that, a knight desperate for the toilet would have most likely needed the assistance of his squire to lift or remove the rear culet, so that he could squat down.

Did castles have carpets?

Carpets, although used on walls, tables, and benches, were not used as floor coverings in Britain and northwest Europe until the 14th century. Floors were strewn with rushes and in the later Middle Ages sometimes with herbs.

Did they have carpet in Medieval times?

These rugs, as well as those made in Turkey, were imported into Western European countries as early as the 15th century. During this period originates the Ardabil carpet, the most splendid, famous rug in the world.

Did castles have wood or stone floors?

They were mainly made of stone, brick, or even wood, and had hay roofs. However, most castles, regardless of how they were built, were made of stone, with sturdy and rather high walls.

Why did Royalty not bathe?

Many royals saw themselves as being above everyone else, being so special that they had this aura around them which would be vanished if washed. Others believed that it was impossible for them to get dirty as they were divine royalty.

Why did the English not bathe?

Rather than bathing, early American colonists believed that other practices, like regularly changing their undergarments, qualified as good hygiene. Rather than bathing, early American colonists believed that other practices, like regularly changing their undergarments, qualified as good hygiene.

Why were medieval towns so dirty?

They were a breeding ground for disease. The upper storeys of houses jutted out into the street, limiting light and air. There were no sewers, so household waste was thrown into the streets. There were large numbers of animals in towns, so there was a lot of manure left to rot down.