The urinary leash

The men's toilets at Darlington Northwood station circa 1825. Note that there was no ladies toilet until a single sit down convenience was installed in 1857! Remarkable to say the least and below is an explanation.

Victorian society held a strong belief in female modesty, with women expected to stay at home and be submissive to their husbands. The lack of public toilets for women was seen as a way to reinforce this idea, effectively restricting women's freedom of movement and participation in public life, sometimes referred to as the "urinary leash.

Thank goodness we've moved on.