Bathing

It's a silly myth that during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries people thought bathing was bad for you. It is complete twaddle. In reality, doctors emphasised that keeping clean was necessary for health. Being clean was also seen as good or virtuous. In the 18th century, John Wesley said ‘cleanliness is next to godliness. Being dirty was a sign of a bad soul. Wearing dirty clothes was also frowned upon. localhistories.org/a-history-of-baths-and-showers