Introduction
When we think about mediaeval London, our minds often turn to knights, guilds, plague pits, and towering churches—but what about toilets?
In 🎧Episode 64 of the London History Podcast, host Hazel Baker is joined by buildings archaeologist James Wright (Triskele Heritage) to explore a rarely discussed yet utterly fascinating topic: how Londoners in the Middle Ages dealt with one of life’s daily necessities.
From euphemisms and etiquette to architecture and archaeology, this episode reveals how the business of going to the loo offers unexpected insight into mediaeval society. Whether you are an academic, a heritage professional, or just a curious soul, this conversation will likely change the way you think about London’s historic built environment.
What Did People Call Toilets in the Middle Ages?
James Wright explains that much like today, mediaeval society used a variety of terms to avoid directly mentioning the act of relieving oneself. From the Latin camera privitae (private chamber) and necessarium (necessary place) to the more colloquial jakes (an early form of “the John”), the language surrounding toilets was rich with euphemism and innuendo.
The term garderobe—literally “wardrobe”—was often used to refer to the toilet. The reason? You often had to pass through a room where clothes and valuables were stored to reach it. That’s right: your cloakroom may once have been more literal than you think.
Public Toilets in Mediaeval London
Surprisingly, public toilets were not unheard of in mediaeval London. Historical records reveal that there were two public latrines on London Bridge—one at either end. These facilities even pop up in court records, such as the tale of a debtor who dodged his creditors by claiming he needed the loo, then legging it out the back door. 📚Read more: Medieval London Bridge
Elsewhere, a latrine at Queenhithe, built in the 12th century by Queen Matilda, was recorded as still in use in 1237. It was specifically constructed “for the common use of the citizens”, making it one of the earliest examples of civic sanitation infrastructure in the capital.
Enter the Gong Farmers
Every society needs its sanitation workers, and mediaeval London was no exception. Enter the gong farmers—the unfortunate but well-compensated individuals tasked with clearing out the waste from latrines, cesspits, and “necessary houses”. Despite the malodorous nature of their work, these labourers could earn more than skilled tradespeople such as stonemasons.
One particularly well-paid gong farmer, Thomas Watergate, received 40 shillings in 1406 for cleaning out the royal latrine at Westminster Palace—a significant sum for a single task.
What Did They Use for Toilet Paper?
Excavations across London have revealed a variety of materials used for personal hygiene in the mediaeval period. Straw and moss were the most common, and specific moss varieties like glittering wood moss and red-stemmed feather moss have been found in archaeological contexts.
In some cases, thin woollen cloths—believed to have been used for feminine hygiene—were discarded into latrine pits. These findings shed light on the surprisingly pragmatic and resourceful practices of the time.
Whittington’s Longhouse: A Marvel of Mediaeval Plumbing
Few Londoners realise that Dick Whittington, the famed Lord Mayor of London, was also responsible for constructing one of the city’s most impressive public conveniences. Known as Whittington’s Longhouse, it reportedly had 128 seats, split equally between men and women—an egalitarian design not always matched today.
Archaeological evidence suggests that this was more than just a large latrine; it was a carefully considered piece of civic infrastructure. There is even some indication that the facility offered a degree of gender segregation, showing an awareness of public decency and privacy in the 15th century.
The Archaeology of Waste
Mediaeval toilets are often overlooked in guidebooks and heritage interpretation panels, despite their historical and archaeological value. James Wright notes that public sites like Guildhall in the City of London preserve latrines within the building fabric itself—some even visible to visitors today.
Displays from excavations by the Museum of London Archaeology (MoLA) include wooden toilet seats, such as the famous three-seater excavated from the banks of the River Fleet. These remarkable finds offer tangible evidence of how Londoners in centuries past managed sanitation in a bustling urban environment.
From Latrines to Gunpowder: Reusing the Waste
Mediaeval waste was not always simply dumped. Human waste could be processed and used as fertiliser or even in the production of saltpetre, a key ingredient in gunpowder. Tanners, too, found uses for urine in the leather industry. It was, in its own way, a circular economy long before the term existed.
Conclusion: Why Toilets Matter in Understanding History
As James Wright astutely points out, the history of toilets is often brushed aside due to lingering embarrassment. Yet these humble features of daily life are integral to understanding social hierarchies, urban planning, labour practices, and even gender dynamics.
Thanks to archaeological digs and historical documents, we now know far more about the practicalities of mediaeval life—right down to the latrine. And yes, even the term “going to the loo” has a lineage we can trace through moss, stone, and euphemism.
So next time you walk across London Bridge or stroll past Queenhithe, take a moment to think about what lies beneath—and who made it all possible.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here:
Medieval Toilets – London History Podcast Episode 64
📖 Recommended Reading:
Mediaeval Mythbusting Blog
