Historical FACTS about the Tudors

I was walking around the google this morning and stumbled upon someing that really made me feel better (and creeped me out!!)


Life in the 1500's

Next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be...

Here are some facts about life in the 1500's:

1) Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May and still smelled pretty good by June. However, they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children--last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it -- hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water."

2) Houses had thatched roofs--thick straw, piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the dogs, cats and other small animals (mice rats, and bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof -- hence the saying "It's raining cats and dogs."

3) There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could really mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence.

5  out of 5 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?    

Show Last Reply

Well, this is a disgusting question, but I have to know. The torture and execution techniques of that era are notorious. I keep reading how males were drawn, quartered, castrated, etc., appalling, I can't imagine the suffering! But I don't think I have read that particular method used on women. I know they were put on the rack, beheaded. Henry supposedly showed mercy to Anne with the sword vs the axe. Does anyone know of any instances where he used worse brutality on females? Sorry if this offends. I am interested in why there is a difference, as they all died and were shamed.

 out of  found this valuable. Do you find this valuable?    

Show Last Reply