Medieval latrine textiles from Rådhusgaten in Tønsberg, Norway

Abstract

This paper examines medieval textiles from the 2022/2023 excavations at Rådhusgaten, Tønsberg, shedding light on textile consumtion in a Norwegian urban medieval setting. 52 textiles, predominantly wool twill, were analysed for their technical characteristics and functional significance. Many were found in a latrine deposit, suggesting secondary use as sanitary materials, offering insights into medieval hygiene practices. The finds highlight the multifunctionality of textiles in domestic life and in a harbour context. This study questions the end use of the latrine textiles and integrates textile analysis with stratigraphic data to explore textile consumption and disposal practices in the 12th to 13th centuries.