Where did Henry VIII poop?

Where Did Henry VIII Do His Business?

If you've ever wandered through Hampton Court Palace and wondered where England's most famous Tudor king answered nature's call, you're not alone. The answer? In style, of course.

Henry VIII didn’t queue for a loo like the rest of us. Instead, he had access to a close stool—a surprisingly fancy piece of royal furniture for such a humble purpose. Think of it as a luxurious wooden chair with a hidden chamber pot tucked beneath the seat. It wasn’t exactly a flushing toilet, but for a king with a legendary appetite and even larger ego, it was more than enough.

The close stool was usually placed in a private bedchamber or a small adjoining room called a garderobe, offering a sliver of privacy (and hopefully a breeze). Servants would discreetly empty the contents—often into the nearest moat or ditch. Not exactly modern sanitation, but hey, it was the 1500s.

At Hampton Court, several of these private retreats existed, though the king likely had a favorite. Given Henry’s size—by the end of his life, his waist reportedly measured around 54 inches—he may have needed sturdier furniture than most. There’s even a surviving portrait of him on what looks suspiciously like a throne… or perhaps a very confident close stool.

So yes, Henry VIII did his business just like anyone else—just with more velvet, attendants, and royal drama. The next time you flush without thinking, spare a thought for the courtiers who had to empty the king’s potty. Now that’s loyalty.