I have just published the second part of my article on Tudor Hygiene this time focussing on the role of the Tudor housewife and housework. You can read part 1 of this article here where I discuss Tudor bathing habits. I hope you enjoy the post!
Tudor Hygiene Part 2- Housework
The Tudors generally accepted that there was a link between dirt and disease and for this reason tried to keep their houses clean. This was no easy task considering that most houses had earth floors, which were dusty and difficult to maintain. Household items such as plates and bowls were generally made out of wood posing another challenge to housewives that were required to maintain these items clean without the assistance of commercial cleaning agents.
If you were a wealthy Tudor then perhaps you had flagged stone floors and pewter utensils but your staff would still have had to clean these with the basic cleaning materials of the day.
Continue reading here.
I shall never complain about the chores again!
Surely time itself must have moved at a slower pace in those days, so that everyone could get through all these labour-intensive tasks day in and day out. Amazing.
I’m with you Robert! I will never complain about having to throw the clothes into the washing machine and turn it on…