Groom of the Stool
Again I welcome you to a new episode of lockdown stories. Today you will see how some of the most disgusting jobs can be honourable. Let's go!
The "groom of the stool" was a job handed out to trustworthy men around the Tudor era. It may not sound too bad but trust me, it was! It involved the same disgusting process up to 12 times a day (usually 6) but it was an honour to do so. Just what made it so bad?
The groom of the stool was tasked with carefully watching the king eat his food until he felt the urge to go to the loo. He would then address the king and wait for him to do his business. The king would then stand up while the groom cleaned his 'hindquarters' with cotton and a bowl of water. He would then dry it with a towel.
The excrements - poo!- were then taken away to be examined by doctors for any sign of disease or disorders. The mealtimes of the king would be recorded as well as approximately how much the king ate per meal. King Henry 8th was a one for going to the loo far too often meaning the groom would have to clean after him far too often in a day. However, King Henry 8th incited the role to be a privilege and it was only to be handed out to people close to the king along with rich people's sons who were looking for a job. This was because the Privy Chamber, the team that does the toilet work, was part of the government so the people acquiring the role had to be good at keeping secrets.
How disgusting this job was, is made up in wages. Grooms of the stools were high-status and well-paid individuals, who had direct access to the king. The groom would also be in charge of some of the royal finances having immense power.
Lockdown Survival
Once again, viewers, I have been cooking. Today, it was butter-free cookies that were easy enough for a baby to make. Maybe you should try substituting ingredients - vegetable oil for butter - and seeing how it tastes? Bye!
#onesockdays
#onesockdays
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