The Middle Ages are often depicted as a time when people were dirty and uncouth. But did they actually care about their appearance and behaviour?
The Book of the Civilised Man reveals that medieval people were indeed interested in proper behaviour—at least according to the standards of their time. Written by Daniel of Beccles, a figure about whom we know little but who may have served in the retinue of England’s King Henry II, the book begins with an explanation of its purpose:
If you, dear reader, want to be polished with morals and manners,
if you want the esteem of worthy men, or want to lead a
civilised life among noble lords, to be a shrewd overseer
of your property, keep these everlasting verses in mind,
which I have decided to write
in unadorned plain speech for untrained boy-clerks.
It seems that Daniel’s work was aimed at boys and young men, particularly those in noble households. This 12th-century book contains over 2,800 lines of advice in verse, covering a wide range of topics. Daniel instructs on how to behave in church (don’t fall asleep), during dinners (don’t steal the cutlery), and what to do with gifts (don’t re-gift them). He describes various social interactions, always emphasizing the importance of respecting those of higher status. The text touches on numerous subjects, from dietary tips to the defence of a town.
Among the most intriguing sections are those dealing with personal hygiene and manners. Here are seven excerpts that offer insights into how to take care of yourself:
How to Say Hello
Bow your head to all, greet them with gentle words,
and keep an eye on them so that you can rise at the same time.
When you praise every pedestrian, you are adored by all.
Grooming Like a Noble
Your hair should be neatly styled and evenly cut.
A full beard should be trimmed if it becomes shaggy.
If you have difficulty seeing, seek medical help.
Your hands ought to be clean, and your sleeves should be laced.
Do not let your nails be ugly or your teeth dirty.
There should be no great number of long hairs in your nostrils.
The Ritual of Hand Washing
When you are hungry and ready to eat,
first empty your bowels.
Afterwards, an attendant should give you a washcloth and water.
If it is winter, you should be given warm water.
The washcloth should be white and the water should be from a clean stream.
Dining Etiquette
Do not be a boorish nose-blower or throat-clearer
while dining. If you need to cough, suppress that urge.
If you feel the need to belch, remember to look at the ceiling.
If you empty your nose into your hand,
do not look at the filth on your palm.
More Assorted Dining Rules
Pick food up courteously with your index finger and thumb,
and do not let meat and fish oils grease your lips.
Do not stoop to licking your greasy fingers.
Do not wipe your plate with your fingers or with bread.
When eating a relish, do not investigate the dish with your fingers.
Do not pick up your dish to gulp down your sauces,
and do not mop them up with a slice of bread.
Medieval Bathroom Rules
Do not get up after the meal to urinate in the bushes,
nor to void your bowels, unless nature compels you.
Guests, messengers, and servants should not urinate on the premises.
The master of the house can urinate in his own home.
Guests may urinate indoors, if they so wish, at night after they have retired.
The ‘Secret Wind’
In public, your bottom should emit no secret winds past your thighs.
It disgraces you if others notice any of your smelly filth.
If it happens that your intestines are caught in a windstorm,
look for a place where you may relieve them in private.
For those interested in exploring more, you can find The Book of the Civilised Man: An English Translation of the Urbanus Magnus of Daniel of Beccles, translated by Fiona Whelan, Olivia Spenser, and Francesca Petrizzo, and published by Routledge. Click here to visit the publisher’s website or buy this book on Amazon.com
Top Image: Engelberg Stiftsbibliothek Cod. 339 fol. 71
The Middle Ages are often depicted as a time when people were dirty and uncouth. But did they actually care about their appearance and behaviour?
The Book of the Civilised Man reveals that medieval people were indeed interested in proper behaviour—at least according to the standards of their time. Written by Daniel of Beccles, a figure about whom we know little but who may have served in the retinue of England’s King Henry II, the book begins with an explanation of its purpose:
If you, dear reader, want to be polished with morals and manners,
if you want the esteem of worthy men, or want to lead a
civilised life among noble lords, to be a shrewd overseer
of your property, keep these everlasting verses in mind,
which I have decided to write
in unadorned plain speech for untrained boy-clerks.
It seems that Daniel’s work was aimed at boys and young men, particularly those in noble households. This 12th-century book contains over 2,800 lines of advice in verse, covering a wide range of topics. Daniel instructs on how to behave in church (don’t fall asleep), during dinners (don’t steal the cutlery), and what to do with gifts (don’t re-gift them). He describes various social interactions, always emphasizing the importance of respecting those of higher status. The text touches on numerous subjects, from dietary tips to the defence of a town.
Among the most intriguing sections are those dealing with personal hygiene and manners. Here are seven excerpts that offer insights into how to take care of yourself:
How to Say Hello
Bow your head to all, greet them with gentle words,
and keep an eye on them so that you can rise at the same time.
When you praise every pedestrian, you are adored by all.
Grooming Like a Noble
Your hair should be neatly styled and evenly cut.
A full beard should be trimmed if it becomes shaggy.
If you have difficulty seeing, seek medical help.
Your hands ought to be clean, and your sleeves should be laced.
Do not let your nails be ugly or your teeth dirty.
There should be no great number of long hairs in your nostrils.
The Ritual of Hand Washing
When you are hungry and ready to eat,
first empty your bowels.
Afterwards, an attendant should give you a washcloth and water.
If it is winter, you should be given warm water.
The washcloth should be white and the water should be from a clean stream.
Dining Etiquette
Do not be a boorish nose-blower or throat-clearer
while dining. If you need to cough, suppress that urge.
If you feel the need to belch, remember to look at the ceiling.
If you empty your nose into your hand,
do not look at the filth on your palm.
More Assorted Dining Rules
Pick food up courteously with your index finger and thumb,
and do not let meat and fish oils grease your lips.
Do not stoop to licking your greasy fingers.
Do not wipe your plate with your fingers or with bread.
When eating a relish, do not investigate the dish with your fingers.
Do not pick up your dish to gulp down your sauces,
and do not mop them up with a slice of bread.
Medieval Bathroom Rules
Do not get up after the meal to urinate in the bushes,
nor to void your bowels, unless nature compels you.
Guests, messengers, and servants should not urinate on the premises.
The master of the house can urinate in his own home.
Guests may urinate indoors, if they so wish, at night after they have retired.
The ‘Secret Wind’
In public, your bottom should emit no secret winds past your thighs.
It disgraces you if others notice any of your smelly filth.
If it happens that your intestines are caught in a windstorm,
look for a place where you may relieve them in private.
For those interested in exploring more, you can find The Book of the Civilised Man: An English Translation of the Urbanus Magnus of Daniel of Beccles, translated by Fiona Whelan, Olivia Spenser, and Francesca Petrizzo, and published by Routledge. Click here to visit the publisher’s website or buy this book on Amazon.com
Top Image: Engelberg Stiftsbibliothek Cod. 339 fol. 71
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