Margareta von Mansfeld

At the table

Beer and milk were daily beverages

Beer served as a major beverage for the general population in northern areas like Hesse, as it was safer and more flavorful than water. Milk and whey were also common daily drinks for rural families, while wine was typically reserved for festive occasions and holidays.

What people wore

Basic and durable peasant clothing

Ordinary people in the region wore basic garments made of wool or fustian, with men typically wearing tunics, hosen, and hats, while women wore dresses, aprons, and head coverings. Their clothing was functional and designed to be durable, often passed down or kept until it fell apart to maximize its investment value.

Getting around

Slow pace of travel

Travel was slow and unpredictable, with average travelers covering only 30 to 45 kilometers per day, though some could reach up to 80 kilometers. Journeys were often delayed by poor road conditions, weather, or the need to stop for horse fodder every 20 to 40 kilometers.

What it cost

Income of a Hessian foot soldier

A foot soldier hired to serve the Landgrave of Hesse could earn an annual salary of 40 gulden, along with two sets of court clothing.

Music

School children singing for income

School children were required to sing German hymns daily at church services and earned extra money by singing at funerals and in front of wealthy citizens' houses.

Daily life

Water access and dense housing in Kassel

In the mid-16th century, Kassel's streets featured running streams, such as the Drusel, which provided an accessible water source throughout the city. Houses were densely built, often utilizing timber-frame construction.