In the news1756–1763
Seven Years' War casualties and destruction
During the Seven Years' War, some 160,000 Prussian soldiers died in battle or from disease, devastating the population.
Schloss Richmond, 17 May 1768 – Hammersmith, 7 Aug 1821
8 facts3 sources
17 May 1768
Born in Schloss Richmond
7 Jan 1796
A daughter is born
7 Aug 1821
Dies in Hammersmith, aged 53
She lived through 7 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Schloss Richmond.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1756–1763
During the Seven Years' War, some 160,000 Prussian soldiers died in battle or from disease, devastating the population.
What people wore
Practical Work Clothes for Women
Working women wore practical, loose-fitting clothing like an apron, headscarf, and cap, with shorter skirts and wide sleeves to allow free arm movement while handling water, fire, or animals.
Getting around
Dangers and Hardships of 18th-Century Travel
Travel was often physically demanding and dangerous, with carriages that were frequently uncomfortably sprung or unsprung, causing travelers to suffer from motion sickness or injury. Due to the poor state of roads and the threat of highwaymen, travelers often carried weapons or avoided unnecessary trips, with some prominent figures never leaving their home region.
Around the world · 1769–1776Watt’s steam engine. James Watt’s much more efficient steam engine, patented in 1769, powered the mills and mines of the Industrial Revolution.
In the news1766
A new tax and excise ordinance in 1766 created state monopolies on items including tobacco, coffee, and porcelain.
Music
Regulated music at weddings and funerals
Weddings were major social events where music was highly regulated by status, dictating the number of performers and the duration of the celebrations. Musicians often played at these weddings and funerals, with societies in places like Leuben attending up to 18 weddings annually.
Daily life
Seasonal Schooling Led by Untrained Teachers
Schooling was primarily limited to winter months, as children were needed for farm work and tending livestock during the rest of the year. Many village schoolmasters lacked formal training, often being retired soldiers, weavers, or tinkers.