Groom of the Stool

Despite the duties being unpleasant, ‘Groom of the Stool’ to the King of England was considered a prestigious position. The role involved assisting the Monarchs with their bodily functions and bathroom needs using a close stool (see above). This historical piece of furniture was an early portable toilet which enclosed a chamber pot. Historians disagree as to whether this servant was required to wipe the Monarch’s bottom. Proximity to the Monarch with no-one else present led to the sharing of many royal confidences. In turn, the post holder became a feared and influential figure around the Court because of his access to the Sovereign. The Groom of the Stool was also responsible for monitoring the King’s bowel movements and for liaising with doctors when necessary. Elizabeth I was served by a Chief Gentlewoman of the Privy Chamber.

Sir William Compton, Sir Michael Stanhope and Sir James Fullerton were all Grooms of the Stool. Compton performed the role between between 1509 until 1526 and was also the Sheriff of Dorset and Somerset. He became involved with one of Henry VIII’s mistresses but died of the contagious ‘sweating sickness.’ Sir Michael Stanhope owned property in Bridport but was beheaded on Tower Hill in 1552 for conspiring to kill the 1st Duke of Northumberland. Sir James Fullerton was Groom of the Stool from 1625 to 1631 and owner of Gillingham Forest - a gift to him from King Charles I. Traditional commoner grazing rights were ended resulting in anti-enclosure riots. Fences were destroyed, hedges were broken down and comic ‘Lady Skimmington’ cross-dressing parades took place which mocked authority.

Over time, the Grooms of the Stool became more like personal secretaries to the Sovereign and were well-paid with great benefits. It was Edward VII who discontinued the role when he came to the throne in 1901.

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