Close stool

Close stool was a term used in the late medieval period through to the 18th century to describe a type of portable toilet or commode, often found in the bedchambers of the wealthy and the infirm. It consisted of a chair with a hole in the seat under which a chamber pot was placed. The design of the close stool symbolized a significant advancement in the personal hygiene practices of the time, reflecting a period in history where sanitation and privacy began to intertwine with the daily lives of people, especially among the upper classes.

History

The close stool emerged during a time when indoor plumbing was non-existent, and the concept of privacy in personal matters was beginning to gain importance. It was considered a luxury item, often richly decorated with fabrics and even precious metals to reflect the status of its owner. The chamber pot beneath could be made of various materials, including pewter, ceramics, or even silver for the affluent. Servants, known as "grooms of the stool" in England, were responsible for emptying and cleaning these pots, highlighting the close stool's role in the social hierarchy of the time.

Design and Function

The typical close stool resembled a cabinet or a chair with a folding top. It was designed to blend with the other furniture in the room, disguising its true purpose to maintain the decorum of the living spaces. The seat was often padded for comfort, and the chamber pot was easily removable for cleaning. This design not only provided convenience but also an early attempt at creating a sanitary living environment by containing human waste.

Cultural Significance

The close stool serves as an interesting study in the evolution of sanitation and personal hygiene practices. It marks a departure from communal latrines and open defecation towards a more private and individual approach to waste management. The presence of a close stool in a household indicated a concern for cleanliness and a level of sophistication in living standards.

Decline and Legacy

The invention of indoor plumbing and the flush toilet in the 19th century led to the decline of the close stool. However, its legacy lives on in the modern bathroom, where privacy and sanitation are paramount. The close stool is a reminder of the journey human societies have undertaken from rudimentary sanitation practices to the complex systems in place today.

See Also

• Chamber pot
• Flush toilet
• Sanitation
• History of personal hygiene