Why were there sheets in the tub in Outlander?

Sometimes questions about the show can seem odd at first glance, but they’re curious musings by the fans. The sheets lining the tub while Claire took a bath in the recent Outlander episode is one of those musings. Why did she have sheets?

I know there are many people who don’t have questions like this. But others do and it’s more of a curious musing than anything else. My husband asked the question while watching and it made me realize that because we don’t do it now, some of the things in Outlander can see odd.

These questions make sense and as someone who has watched period dramas my whole life, I get them. People did things in the past that we’d never consider doing now. My questions like this were asked when I was younger, asking my grandmas or my mom about why people would do things.

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In some cases, I got answers that linked to their pasts because of when they grew up and the time period of the drama. (I watched a lot of pre-WWII and post-WWII dramas with them). But in other cases, I’ve done my own research.

And that brings me to the sheets in the bathtub. Why would Claire have sheets in the tub? Well, there are a few answers to this depending on the type of tub Claire and Jamie would have.

If it was wood, the sheets would protect from splinters. They’re a softer lining that protects some of the most delicate places.

If they had a metal tub, the sheets can be used for one of two reasons. They either offer a lining to prevent the heat of the metal burning or they prevent the coldness of the metal being uncomfortable.

It’s a very simple answer, really. Sometimes we have to remember that porcelain tubs are the norm now but most definitely weren’t back then. Sheets could be dried easily (especially in North Carolina’s summers!) and they made more sense than the discomfort of wood or metal baths.

What questions do you have about Claire and Jamie’s everyday actions? What have been your curious musings? Share in the comments below.

Outlander Season 4 continues on Sundays on STARZ.