The Chivalrous 'Sidewalk Rule' Has A Gross, Medieval Origin

Before the development of proper sewage systems, streets were littered with all sorts of waste during medieval times. According to Today I Found Out, it was common for citizens to just dump their waste on the streets, and that includes fecal matter. It was a time when people didn't associate human waste with the spread of diseases. Because of the accumulation of waste and the nasty smells, there were eventually laws put in place to prevent citizens from leaving their waste on the streets. By the 14th century, Londoners who were caught leaving all types of waste on the streets were ordered to pay a fine. Apart from waste, there were also carcasses of dead animals and all sorts of litter. Gong farmers were eventually employed to clean out cesspits.

As reported by Technology, the streets smelled so bad that people walked while holding handkerchiefs doused in perfume over their noses. Others also wore pattens — shoe coverings made of wood and metal — to protect their footwear from getting soiled in waste. Pattens had elevated outsoles and were specifically crafted for protecting shoes against mud, dirt, and waste on the streets.

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