Henry VIII's Groom Tracked Bowels

During English King Henry VIII's reign (1509-1547), the royal household created the position of Groom of the King's Close Stool to monitor and assist with the monarch's bowel movements. The groom carried a portable commode, water, towels, and a wash bowl while tracking Henry's meals to predict when he would need them. Although the duty sounded menial, noblemen and members of the gentry sought the position because it brought private access to the king, high pay, palace lodgings, and other benefits. The royal household retained the office until King Edward VII abolished it in 1901.

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