Garderobe

Garderobe

Garderobe is a historical term referring to a small room or closet used for storing clothes and other personal belongings, particularly in medieval European castles and large households. The word garderobe comes from the French word garder, meaning to keep, and robe, meaning clothes. In medieval times, garderobes were typically located in the upper floors of castles, often built into the thickness of the walls. These rooms served multiple purposes, functioning as a wardrobe, a dressing room, and sometimes even as a primitive toilet. The garderobe was an essential feature in the daily life of the medieval nobility, providing a private space for storing and changing clothes, as well as for personal hygiene. The design and location of garderobes varied depending on the castle's architecture and the owner's social status. In some cases, garderobes were connected to the castle's sewer system, allowing waste to be disposed of directly. Over time, the term garderobe evolved to refer more specifically to a toilet or latrine, particularly in the context of medieval castles. Today, the term is primarily used in historical and architectural contexts when discussing medieval European castles and their domestic arrangements.

medieval, castles, clothing storage, wardrobe, dressing room, toilet

— John Armstrong

CITATION : "John Armstrong. 'Garderobe.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=432497 (Accessed on April 19, 2025)"