Kirkstall Abbey, 1891
Photo ref:
28289
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Cleanliness in the 12th and 13th centuries was certainly next to Godliness. The Cistercians, like the Knights Templar, were not noted for their standards of personal hygiene and rarely washed. At Kirkstall the monks had the benefit of piped water so that they might wet rather than wash their hands before entering the refectory. There was also a bath, but its use was probably limited. The Catholic Church considered bathing in public to be sinful, though taking the waters at holy wells to relieve aches and pains was acceptable.
An extract from Leeds Photographic Memories.
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A Selection of Memories from Kirkstall
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