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The problem with poo: a millennium of manure

The problem with poo: a millennium of manure

Manure was a valuable product that underpinned the medieval economy, but why do we now see excrement as something to get rid of, rather than to make use of? Richard Jones explains...

Dr David Musgrove, FSA

Published: November 19, 2025 at 11:55 AM

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When did poo become a problem? Why was manure so important in the medieval economy? And why don't we have vacuum-powered sewers? All these questions – and more – are answered in this brief history of both animal and human manure. David Musgrove speaks to Richard Jones to find out more.

Authors

Dr David Musgrove, FSAContent director

David Musgrove is the content director at HistoryExtra

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