For most of their history, condoms have
been used both as a method of birth control, and as a protective
measure against sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms have been
made from a variety of materials. Prior to the 19th century,
chemically treated linen and animal intestine or bladder were
used. The oldest condoms ever excavated were found in a cesspit
located in the grounds of Dudley Castle and were made from animal
membrane, the condoms dated back to as early as 1640s. Condoms
during the Renaissance were made out of intestines and bladder.
Cleaned and prepared intestine for use in glove making had been
sold commercially since at least the 13th century.
The story of the Earl of Condom, a knighted personal physician to
England’s King Charles II in the mid-1600’s, who was requested to
produce a method to protect the King from syphilis is completely
false.