DIFFERENT ORIGINS
The small individual privies of the distinguished guests
and the higher monastic officials (fig. 495, A-E) doubtlessly,
have their prototypes in the vernacular architecture of the
upper strata of Carolingian society. The longhouse for the
servants of the distinguished guests, the students of the
Outer School, and other smaller monastic groups (figs.
496, A-E), I would be inclined to derive from Roman and
medieval military architecture, although I cannot support
this hypothesis with any tangible archaeological evidence.
The square shape of the Monk's Privy is somewhat reminiscent
of that of the Roman public latrine, but may
actually not be in any ancestral relation to the latter, and
may owe its squarish shape to the desire to add to the single
row of toilet seats such other facilities as a urinal or troughs
with water for washing hands.
