Floors in the Middle Ages: Rushes or Mats?

When thinking about floors in the Middle Ages, the depiction in Hollywood movies often leaves us with a misleading image. Contrary to popular belief, rushes, while a significant feature, were not as common or practical as often portrayed.

Meaning and Context

The phrase 'floors strewn with rushes' is a common description found in Middle Ages literature and historical accounts, but the true meaning and context behind it can be quite different from what we might expect. Rushes, which are tough, long grasses, were indeed used to cover floors for several practical and aesthetic reasons.

Coverage

Rushes served multiple purposes and were not always the floor covering of choice, as the practicality and maintenance requirements made them less ideal. They were typically laid as a layer, not thick like a carpet, and could range from a few inches deep to a more substantial thickness, depending on the wealth and local customs of the household. In wealthier homes, rushes might be regularly replaced and kept cleaner, while in poorer households, they could accumulate dirt over time.

In summary, 'floors strewn with rushes' refers to a thin layer of rushes that were laid down to enhance the flooring. However, this description does not fully capture the complexity and practical realities of the time. Hollywood depictions often emphasize the floor strewing for dramatic effect, but these rushes, while common, were not the dominant floor covering method.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance was a vital aspect of maintaining clean and odor-free homes. In the spring, rushes were often replaced to keep the floors clean and reduce unpleasant odors. This routine practice highlighted the limitations of hygiene standards during the Middle Ages. Rushes had to be regularly replaced and maintained, reflecting the limited cleaning technologies and practices of the time.

Practicality and Realities

While rushes provided some insulation and absorbed spills and odors, they were not as practical as they might seem. Rushes often accumulated dirt and odors, and heavy floor-length dresses would plow a path through them, causing them to shift to the sides of the room. This would create a serious slipping hazard, which is why modern restorations of medieval buildings do not use them.

Strewing fresh cut rushes on floors during spring cleaning was a common practice to introduce a fresh, outdoorsy scent into the room. However, these rushes were discarded quickly as the scent faded.

Alternatives to Rushes

Even in poorer households, rush and reed mats were more practical. These mats were longer-lasting, better at protecting floors and clothing from dirt and spills, and easier to replace when needed. They served much like rugs, offering both functionality and a bit of style.

Historical evidence suggests that rushes were not as common or practical as often depicted in movies. More often, floors were covered with mats made from rushes, which were more durable and less prone to the issues associated with layering rushes. Mats could be rolled and reused, providing a more practical solution for households.

In conclusion, the floors in the Middle Ages were more commonly covered with mats made from rushes, rather than the frequent 'floors strewn with rushes' portrayed in Hollywood. These mats offered better practicality and longevity, aligning more closely with the realities of medieval housekeeping.