[–] shittywok 0 points 8 points 8 points (+8|-0) ago
Henry VIII had a rotting leg from a jousting accident - back then they thought it was best to keep reopening the wound instead of letting it heal. Apparently the smell of rotting flesh plus neverending putrid pus leaking from the wound made him smell vile all the time. Many historians think the accident caused brain damage as well because this was the start of his murdering phase. He also had leg ulcers. It's a pity, in his youth (he became King at the age of 18) he was known for being a fine athlete who would get up at 4am every day for hunting. He beheaded Anne Boleyn barely six months after that jousting accident.
[–] cranky_old_lady 0 points 16 points 16 points (+16|-0) ago
Elizabeth wrote about how huge he was and how bad he stunk. Probable diabetic ulcer (an "unhealable" wound in his leg) in addition to, IDK, fat-fold stankrot?
[–] MaryJaneDoe 0 points 4 points 4 points (+4|-0) ago
Oh dear god. I'd have poisoned myself.
[–] clockworkgirl21 [S] 1 point 6 points 7 points (+7|-1) ago
People didn't think baths were immoral, but they did think they could make you sick.
[–] jnyrbl 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
I love English history. I have never seen this reference. I knew his leg wound and gout messed with him, but to get to that weight?!