In the news1659
Plague epidemic strikes Denmark in 1659
A plague epidemic broke out in 1659, causing the death of 25% to 30% of the population.
Copenhagen, 28 Mar 1654 – Jomfruens Egede, 17 Jan 1719
7 facts1 source
28 Mar 1654
Born in Copenhagen
1672–1678
4 children are born
17 Jan 1719
Dies in Jomfruens Egede, aged 64
She lived through 7 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Copenhagen.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1659
A plague epidemic broke out in 1659, causing the death of 25% to 30% of the population.
At the table
Common breakfast of beer porridge
A common breakfast for many, including school children, consisted of warm beer and bread porridge, sometimes served with butter.
What people wore
Everyday footwear and trousers
Peasant men often wore knickers made from tanned buckskin, and both men and women typically wore clogs for everyday and festive activities.
Getting around
Introduction of passenger mail coaches
In 1653, the Danish postal service began operating mail coaches that carried both passengers and parcels twice a week.
What it cost
Daily Wages for Workers
In the 1650s, a laborer typically earned about 16 to 24 skilling per day, while a master mason could earn 36 to 40 skilling daily.
Music
Town musicians held exclusive performance rights
Privileged town musicians held a monopoly on all paid musical performances for citizens and farmers, often charging for their services at weddings and feasts.
Daily life
Water and Beer Consumption
Drinking water was often contaminated due to proximity to waste and latrines, leading many to avoid plain water in favor of beer, which was a standard beverage for all social classes.