Ursula Katharina of Altenbockum

At the table

Poppy Seeds in Daily Diet

Poppy seeds were consumed in large quantities, not just for flavor but as a base for sauces, dishes, and oils. They were eaten in a similar way to how other cultures might use millet.

What people wore

Valuable Noblewoman's Clothing

Seventeenth-century noblewomen's wills show that items like fur-lined coats, velvet dresses, and specific headgear such as caps and wimples were vital assets, sometimes valued higher than silver or jewelry.

Getting around

River travel was faster than land journeys

River transport was essential for passengers and goods, with boats traveling approximately 46 kilometers per day on routes like the Vistula. This was faster and safer than land travel, which often suffered from muddy or wobbly roads.

What it cost

Wages for Workers in 17th Century Warsaw

An ordinary worker in Warsaw earned 3 to 4 grosze per day, while a bricklayer, considered elite, could earn up to 16 grosze daily.

Music

Bagpipes at Inns and Festivals

Bagpipes were popular instruments at inns and festivities, where they provided music for dances enjoyed by peasants, the lower bourgeoisie, and even members of the gentry.

Daily life

Wooden homes and traditional heating methods

Common houses were built of wood, and peasant homes often featured open-hearth fires that released smoke directly into the room through gaps in the roof. Wealthier residences and townhouses might have stoves or fireplaces with chimneys, and some even had separate kitchens away from main living areas.