Norman Garderobe -- White Tower, Tower of London, Tower Hamlets, London, UK
N 51° 30.473 W 000° 04.562
30U E 702905 N 5710359
A historic marker at one of William the Conqueror's toilets in the White Tower.
Waymark Code: WMT17Q
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 09/07/2016
Views: 3
This historic marker is located outside of the northeasternmost Norman garderobe in the King's Great Chambers on the top floor of the White Tower.
When William the Conqueror built the White Tower, he made sure it came with all the modern conveniences of an indoor toilet - which is NOT the same as indoor PLUMBING.
The historic marker reads as follows:
"NORMAN GARDEROBE
This original Norman toilet (garderobe) served the great chamber and was one of six in the white tower. On this floor, there were two more either side of the cross wall nearby and another off the stairs in the north west turret. There were two more on the floor below in the entrance chamber’s north wall.
Waste fell into the ground pits or “dead” zones.
Probably because of this the garderobe's were all on the north and northeast sides of the building, away from the front elevation visible from the river.
In order was issued in the early 14th century for the construction of a stone wall to hide the filth dropping from the White Tower’s toilets. The building was clearly in heavy use at this time."
Type of Historic Marker: Sign
Historical Marker Issuing Authority: Historic Royal Palaces
Age/Event Date: 01/01/1070
Related Website: [Web Link]
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