How some Ramblers take their ease
A remarkable photograph has recently come into my possession, which I am compelled to reproduce for you all here. Although offensive to some, I justify publication not least because it shows the lengths that some Ragged Ramblers are prepared to go to get a feel for the past and those who dwelt therein. I have also rendered it slightly less offensive by the use of sepia tones.
The Rambler in question is seated upon a ‘gaurderobe’ a medieval toilet used by a monk at Mount Grace Priory in North Yorkshire. It was once the home for Carthusian monks who were unusual amongst the many Orders in that they took the idea of monastic solitude to extremes and occupied individual houses and gardens walled off from each other. By a remarkable coincidence I myself visited the Monastery last year and my ramble there can be read by clicking here…
Clearly this Ragged Rambler sought to imitate the Monks of Mount Grace by exposing himself to at least one of the many indignities of Medieval life and whilst I don’t condone this kind of behaviour or suggest that other Ramblers need emulate his actions, I do think that it is interesting to see just how far some of our peers will go in pursuance of their business!
The Rambler in question is seated upon a ‘gaurderobe’ a medieval toilet used by a monk at Mount Grace Priory in North Yorkshire. It was once the home for Carthusian monks who were unusual amongst the many Orders in that they took the idea of monastic solitude to extremes and occupied individual houses and gardens walled off from each other. By a remarkable coincidence I myself visited the Monastery last year and my ramble there can be read by clicking here…
Clearly this Ragged Rambler sought to imitate the Monks of Mount Grace by exposing himself to at least one of the many indignities of Medieval life and whilst I don’t condone this kind of behaviour or suggest that other Ramblers need emulate his actions, I do think that it is interesting to see just how far some of our peers will go in pursuance of their business!
A Ragged Rambler at his ease
His identity has been masked to preserve his anonymity and to protect his family from any further shame
+Many Coats+
+Many Coats+
I once tried out a Tudor toilet at Kentwell Hall in Suffolk. There was a considerable drop to the water below (The water runs under the hall from the moat)
ReplyDeleteI have to say that the combination of a loud plop and the warm oak against my cheeks was most pleasant.
J R Oonstead
Sir,
ReplyDeleteSepia tones are not enough! I do think that some blurring of the margins of the picture might have eased the shock I felt. The committee will no doubt need to convene to discuss this business!
Esotericus
I lay down my business in ditches Mr
ReplyDeleteJames Lowe, Labourer
You people!
ReplyDeleteBrigadier Bryn Turbot
...
ReplyDeleteI simply can't agree Mandy and think this insight into the mind of a Rambler can only serve to demonstrate their dedication to the understanding of the olden days.
ReplyDelete+Many Coats+
Hello Esotericus. I make no apologies for the shocking nature of the post, and feel sure that the committee will realise the benefit to the furthering of Ragged Rambling. I also think that you know the value of experimental archaeology over and above theoretical studies into waste disposal long ago.
ReplyDelete+Many Coats+
Dear Mr. Many Coats,
ReplyDeleteWhat is the world coming to! Firstly, it would seem that J.R.Oonstead is no longer deceased! Secondly, we have a picture of a man with his trousers about his ankles. Why, I once heard that an anonymous visitor deposited a necessary in the garderobes of Norwich castle! Are we, respected members of the RSAR, to condone such excesses?
Yeh, why not...
My good friend Esotericus. I too noticed that Mr Oonstead no longer seems to be deceased and have planned a seance for later in the week in order to get to the bottom of the matter.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the other issue, I think that the Rambler in question was also trying to get to the bottom of the matter!
+Many Coats+