[–] 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.
[–] [deleted] 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
[–] 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?
[–] RielDtok_ 0 points 11 points 11 points (+11|-0) ago
I don't think he bathed much either, since baths were believed to be immoral and spread disease. You can imagine the effect that would have on a 400 pound beast with an "unhealable wound."
[–] 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.
[–] MaryJaneDoe 0 points 4 points 4 points (+4|-0) ago
Oh dear god. I'd have poisoned myself.