Frederick Henry of Orange-Nassau

At the table

Popular treats like olie-koecken

Ordinary families enjoyed various forms of baked goods, including stiff pancakes eaten by hand, small pancakes called poffertjes, and olie-koecken, which were deep-fried balls of dough and are the forerunners of the modern doughnut.

What people wore

Standard Male Working Dress

For men of the lower classes, the standard everyday outfit typically consisted of a doublet (wambuis) and hose. This simple combination was a common sight for laborers in the period.

Getting around

Early water travel and ferries

Before the later organized canal system, passengers relied on scheduled ferries or small boats, and traveling between cities like Leiden and Utrecht could be a difficult, all-day journey on silty waters. By 1597, passenger travel was already intense enough between Delft and The Hague that a tent was required on each boat to protect travelers.

What it cost

Mason wages in 1583 Deventer

In 1583, a skilled mason in Deventer earned 7 to 8 stuivers per day in winter and summer, respectively, while a master mason earned 8 to 9 stuivers.

Music

Penalties for refusing to play in taverns

At music inns, a patron who could play an instrument but refused to perform was penalized by being required to buy a round of drinks for the entire tavern. These taverns provided space for dancing to instruments like violins, basses, and various wind instruments.

Daily life

Weak beer as a daily drink for children

Because industrial pollution often tainted local water sources, children frequently drank weak beer as a daily substitute for water. Painting evidence indicates that orphanage children, who were often provided with this drink, were recognizable by their distinct red-and-black sleeved uniforms.