“Secrets of the Throne: Discover the Surprising Bathroom Etiquette at King Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace!”

Welcome to a peek behind the lavish curtains of Hampton Court Palace, the famed pleasure palace of King Henry VIII. Did you ever think the throne room was the only place royalty seated themselves? Well, when it came to the royal loo, it turns out there was a portrait of class distinction hung by … well, let’s say it wasn’t for the faint of heart. You see, even in the most private moments, the delineation between king and commoner was unmistakable. While Henry enjoyed a plush, padded seat adorned with velvet and sheepskin, his courtiers and the throngs of servants had to navigate some rather less-than-glamorous accommodations. If you find yourself cringing just thinking about the medieval restrooms, you’re not alone! Trust me, after reading this, you might appreciate your own bathroom break a tad bit more. Curious? You’ll want to stick around to explore this rather smelly chapter of history! [LEARN MORE](https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/81016/14-tudor-ific-facts-about-henry-viii).

In King Henry VIII of England’s pleasure palace, Hampton Court, there was no escaping class—not even in the loo.

The king, of course, had a luxurious place to squat. According to the Hampton Court Palace website, he and other royals sat atop a padded chair “covered in sheepskin, black velvet, and ribbons,” lofted above a pewter chamber pot.

This toilet was private, located in a so-called “stool room” that was attended to by a high-ranking courtier known as the Groom of the Stool. It was a privileged, well-respected gig, akin to being a bathroom attendant, but focused on handling the monarch’s waste. (Apparently the groom would even take notes on the sovereign’s movements. In 1539, Henry VIII’s groom showed a flair for euphemisms by writing that the king had taken laxatives and experienced “a very fair siege.”)

1. How did courtiers and servants go to the bathroom?
2. How did Henry VIII and his courtiers deal with it?

How did courtiers and servants go to the bathroom?