The Royal Rearguard: Why Did English Kings Employ Someone to Assist with Their Toilet Needs?

Imagine a job where your primary duty involves the most intimate bodily functions of the most powerful person in the land. It sounds peculiar, perhaps even demeaning to modern ears, yet for centuries, English kings employed an individual for precisely this purpose. This wasn't just a historical quirk; the role of the "Groom of the King's Close Stool," or simply "Groom of the Stool," was a highly sought-after and surprisingly influential position. This blog post will delve into the fascinating reasons why English monarchs entrusted such personal care to a dedicated attendant, exploring a role that was far more significant than its name might suggest.

What Was the "Groom of the Stool"?

The title "Groom of the Stool" refers to the attendant responsible for assisting the English monarch with their toileting needs. The "stool" in question was a commode, or portable toilet, often elaborately decorated and known as a "close stool." The Groom's duties included:

• Providing the king with a bowl of water and towels for washing.
• Monitoring the king's diet and bowel movements, which could be an early indicator of health.
• Maintaining the "privy" (toilet) area and its supplies.
• Assisting the king in undressing and dressing around these moments.

While the core function was undeniably personal, the implications and privileges associated with the role extended far beyond basic hygiene.

More Than Just Wiping: The Real Reasons Behind the Role

The existence of the Groom of the Stool wasn't merely about the king being too grand to attend to himself. Several interconnected factors contributed to the establishment and importance of this unique position.

Intimacy and Unparalleled Access

The most significant aspect of the Groom of the Stool's role was the unparalleled intimate access it granted to the monarch. The king's privy chamber, where the close stool was located, was one of the most private spaces in the royal household.

• A Trusted Confidant: In this private setting, away from the public court, the king might speak more freely. The Groom was privy to unguarded moments, private thoughts, and potentially sensitive information not shared widely.
• Control of Access: Being physically closest to the king, especially during vulnerable moments, meant the Groom could, to some extent, control who else had access. Historical records show Grooms often became trusted friends and advisors.

Status, Power, and Influence

Paradoxically, what might seem like a menial task became a position of considerable status and influence.

• A Coveted Appointment: The role was typically given to men from noble or gentry families, not common servants. It was a mark of royal favour.
• Patronage and Policy: Due to their proximity to the king, Grooms could influence royal opinions, whisper advice, and advocate for or against certain individuals or policies. For example, Sir Anthony Denny, Henry VIII's Groom of the Stool, wielded considerable power, controlling access to the dying king and influencing the terms of his will.
• Financial Perks: The position often came with significant financial rewards, lands, and other perquisites.

Medical Observation and Health

In an era before modern medical diagnostics, the close observation of the monarch's bodily functions was a crucial, if rudimentary, form of health monitoring.

• Early Warning System: The Groom was often the first to notice any changes in the king's urine or feces, which could indicate illness. This was vital information for royal physicians.
• Dietary Management: The Groom might also have some say or insight into the king's diet, based on its perceived effects.

Symbolism and Royal Majesty

The employment of a specific attendant for such personal needs also served a symbolic purpose, reinforcing the king's elevated status.

• Separation from the Mundane: By having attendants for even the most basic human functions, the monarch was set apart from ordinary people, his daily life imbued with ceremony and assistance.
• Reinforcement of Hierarchy: The entire court structure was built on layers of service, and the Groom of the Stool was a key part of the king's personal, inner circle of attendants.

The Evolution and Decline of the Role

The role of Groom of the Stool was most prominent during the Tudor and Stuart periods. Over time, as notions of privacy, kingship, and courtly life evolved, the nature of the position changed. It became more of an honorific title, with the practical duties diminishing or being delegated further. By the 19th century, with improved sanitation and changing social mores, the specific role as described became obsolete, though positions of close personal attendance to the monarch naturally continued in different forms.

Conclusion

The employment of a Groom of the Stool by English kings was far more than a matter of simple convenience or royal fastidiousness. It was a complex role born out of the unique dynamics of the royal court, blending intimate personal care with significant political influence and symbolic weight. This position offered unparalleled access to the monarch, making its holder a figure of considerable, if discreet, power. Understanding the "Why" behind the Groom of the Stool provides a fascinating window into the personal lives, political machinations, and societal structures of past monarchies, reminding us that even the most seemingly peculiar historical practices often have deep-rooted and multifaceted explanations.