What do castles smell like?
What do castles smell like? Castles and manor houses often smelled damp and musty. To counteract this, herbs and rushes were strewn across the floors.
How did people not stink before deodorant?
While the Ancients may not have understood this scientific explanation, they went to great lengths to mask their body odour. The Egyptians and Greeks bathed frequently in water liberally scented with fragrant oils, applied aromatic oils to their bodies and used incense to perfume the air.
Did castles have showers?
Medieval castles did not have bathrooms with running water, yet people did like to bathe. In some castles there was a room next to the kitchen where women bathed in groups.
Were castles cold to live in?
Castles weren't always cold and dark places to live. The hall would also have had tapestries which would have insulated the room against too much cold. Remains of a fireplace at Conwy Castle, Wales.
Did medieval castles smell?
Life in a Medieval Castle: Cold, Dark, and Very Smelly! To our modern standards of living, most Medieval castles would have been incredibly cold, cramped, totally lacking privacy, and would have been disgustingly smelly (and likely home to more than a fair share of rats!).