#VirtualHistoryVB

Virginia Beach History Museums Curatorial Assistant Amanda Wells talks about bed warmers, which were common household items in Europe and early America before the advent of modern indoor heating. However, they didn't come without risks! #VirtualHistoryVB

[@karenlynne8155]

Literally got here from a search on the accuracy of that scene from pirates of the Caribbean

[@tc2334]

I’ve always wondered how this worked. Thank you all.

[@sheliaharrison8336]

Has a bed warmer ever been used as a bed cooler? For example putting ice inside and cooling the bed?

[@virginiabeachhistorymuseum8202]

Hello! Due to the fact that ice was quite difficult to make and store at the time, these devices were only used for warming.

[@jessicaamaya1487]

Ah! I knew something was off! I kept thinking to myself, what if I kick that thing over in my sleep or accidentally touch it with my feet? Wouldn’t I get burned? Wouldn’t it start a fire in the sheets if it’s too hot? So many questions!

[@Bryan-ww2lk]

I think the condensation would wet the bed

[@StinkyBlack1]

Also condensation would make a big wet puddle.

[@teshayazzie3095]

I used to have one. Never got to use it though.

[@StopFear]

Good video! Thanks for showing us. But woooow….. no wonder some people were angry at the kind of unnecessary luxury the rich people back in the day enjoyed and made their servants do. I don’t know about others but I am sort of morally angry that this was even a thing.

[@monyaesabuurbey1435]

Yup.. they were lazy and disgusting! Were taught civilization from the indigenous ones