Response:

King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I had differing views on bathing, reflective of the times in which they lived.

King Henry VIII

• Bathing Habits: It is widely thought that Henry VIII bathed relatively infrequently. Historical accounts suggest that he may have had a full bath perhaps only 2–3 times a year. Instead, he favored the practice of changing clothes and using perfumes to mask body odors.

Queen Elizabeth I

• Bathing Habits: Queen Elizabeth I also believed in limited bathing. She reportedly took a full bath only about once a month, although she washed her face and hands daily and would change her clothes more frequently.

General Context

During the Tudor period, bathing practices were quite different from modern standards. Many people believed that too much water was unhealthy, contributing to the infrequent bathing habits of both monarchs.