However, prior to the 18th century, cleanliness menat to be gorgeous in one's dress. This drastic change in terms of the meaning of the word "cleanliness" represents the change in the larger social context of and people's attitude towards hygiene and public health.

Bathing was commonly known among the Romans, whereas it became almost extinct in the Medieval Age and at the time of so-called the Black Death(plague) in 1348-51. The British had never paid much attention to the hygienic effect of bathing, partly due to Britain's weather which was dry and therefore free from many kinds of putrification and bacterial infection.

Through the influence of the Italian and German vogue of hydorodtherapy and bathing, the British began to advocte a new movement: revival of the Roman bath and even the praise of the effect of baptism just after birth.

Partly due to the arrival of cholera from the east, and partly due to the unbearable uncleanliness and unpleasant smell of their daily water supply, the British became aware of the vital necessity of hygiene, or public health. Their first countermeasure was to build a new-water supply and sewerage system. Thanks to its construction, people could share the pleasure of rich pure water, which was both drinkable and could be used for cooking. The improved new system also enabled people to isntall bath-tubs and flush toilets in each home, and thus, regular bathing became quite common.. And this new custom ceratinly contributed to the enhacement of public health and sanitation.

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