The Lesser-Known Realities of Life in Medieval Castles That You Never Heard Of
Revealing the complexities of castle life in the middle ages
A medieval castle was a symbol of power and wealth in a world filled with danger and uncertainty.
The day-to-day life of the people who lived there was governed by rules and customs. The castle had a strict social hierarchy and rigid rules of conduct.
And life within the castle’s walls was a far cry from the romanticized depiction in popular culture.
It wasn’t pretty for the nobles or the lowliest servants.
Let’s journey back in time, past the imposing walls, to dive into what life was like for the people in a medieval castle.
The Stench of Medieval Castles
One of the most unpleasant aspects of castle life was the stench that permeated the air.
Without modern plumbing, castles were often filled with the smell of urine, poop, sweat, and garbage.
Also, chamber pots were often emptied through the window into the courtyard. Imagine the mess and smell in the average castle courtyard.
On top of poor hygiene, there was no proper ventilation.
