How Unhygienic Were Medieval Europeans?

by bateyes_1111

This may be one that has been asked before. However, I would love a concrete answer to this. I attempted to write an essay on this subject in high school in tandem with similar topics surrounding life in The Dark Ages. However, I was never satisfied with my research back then and even now. I would like to know what is fact and what is just internet hogwash.

(Edit, Grammar correction.)

DanKensington

We have parish records that show 'died washing in river' as a semi-common cause of death. More can always be said on the matter if anyone would like to address the topic; for the meantime, here's some previous posts on this matter:

u/BRIStoneman covers the topic of bathing, for the Early Medieval era;
and also clears up why the Church disliked bathing;
u/sunagainstgold covers the topic of bathing in the Late Middle Ages;
and u/Somecrazynerd examines bathing and attitudes to hygiene in a general Medieval sense.