1. Chamber Pots: The most common type of toilet in medieval castles was the chamber pot. These were portable containers, usually made of ceramic, metal, or wood. They were placed in private chambers or bedchambers for individuals' use. After use, the chamber pots were emptied into cesspits or moats.
2. Garderobe: Another type of toilet used in castles was the garderobe. Garderobes were essentially chutes or openings constructed within the castle walls. They were located in towers or turrets and extended vertically from the upper floors down to the exterior of the castle. Waste would fall through the chute and collect in a cesspit or moat below.
3. Seating: Garderobes often had wooden seats positioned over the chute, offering a rudimentary form of seating. The seats could be basic planks of wood or more elaborate structures with backs and armrests.
4. Privacy Screens: To provide some privacy, garderobe chutes were sometimes enclosed with wooden partitions or screens. These partitions helped maintain a degree of privacy while using the toilet.
5. Water: Medieval castles typically lacked running water, so people used buckets or jugs of water to flush away the waste.
It's important to note that sanitation and hygiene in medieval times were significantly different from modern standards. Waste management was a constant challenge, and unpleasant odors were prevalent in many areas of castles.
