Prince Maurice of the Netherlands

Daily life

Water access and costly light

Water had to be fetched manually from pumps, wells, or rain barrels, and in some areas, the available water was of poor quality, often contaminated by waste. Because lighting, such as candles and lamp oil, was costly, daily activities were strictly dictated by daylight.

At the table

Coffee and gin as essential drinks

Due to polluted well water, urban workers often drank weak coffee or chicory as a safer alternative, while gin was widely consumed for stimulation.

What people wore

Clothing signaled marital status

A woman's marital status was often signaled by her clothing, such as the position of a forehead pin under her cap or the knot of a neckerchief. For example, a forehead pin worn on the left indicated an unmarried woman, while the right side indicated she was married.

Getting around

Common travel methods in early 1800s Netherlands

In the early 19th century, people mainly traveled by horse-drawn barge (trekschuit), stagecoach (diligence), or on foot. Barges were known for their reliable schedules and affordability, while stagecoaches were faster but more expensive and hindered by poor road conditions.

What it cost

Worker wages around 1850

Around 1850, a laborer earned an average of 1 guilder per day, though rural wages were often lower, with some rural laborers earning only about 2 guilders a week.