Garderobe
|
| The garderobe at Peveril Castle, Derbyshire, England. |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Garderobe is a historic term for a small room in a medieval castle. These rooms had several purposes, amongst which were as wardrobes (or cupboards that might have been lockable, most often used for keeping clothing and expensive possessions), bedrooms, storage rooms (for supplies or valuable items) or toilets (which became the most common usage of the word in English).
[edit] The medieval toilet
During the middle ages, the garderobe toilet would often be situated in a remote portion of the castle (although clothing would sometimes be stored near the toilets, since it was believed that the odors could kill bugs that may have otherwise infested the fabric).
The garderobe would have been provided with a closed door, but an open window (without glass) to control odours. A stone or wooden bench with a hole often functioned as the actual toilet.
[edit] Transporting the waste
Garderobes were sometimes built to project out from the wall. This allowed waste to fall into the castle moat or cesspit below. Others were designed to empty into a courtyard or over the edge of a cliff. The waste would either fall directly, or it would be transported by shutes. Shutes that came close to reaching the ground had to be fitted with bars to prevent intruders from using them to invade the castle.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.