Part 9/14:
The Hidden Role of the Guardrobe
An especially intriguing aspect of medieval thermal management involved the placement of the guardrobe—the castle toilet—adjacent to sleeping chambers. On the surface, this seems counterintuitive; the guardrobe was cold, unpleasant, and located over waste shafts. Yet its placement was strategic: the ammonia fumes emitted helped preserve valuable wool and fur garments stored nearby, repelling insects—a pragmatic solution balancing hygiene, preservation, and security.