Francis, Duke of Guise

What people wore

Safe storage for peasant coins

For security, men often wrapped their coins in the long, split tails of their linen chemises.

Daily life

Cooking over an open fire

Families cooked pottage or porridge all day in iron or brass kettles over a central fire on a stone hearth. To keep the smoke from filling the room, some homes used a conical hood or funnel to vent the fire toward the roof.

Work

Working hours and costs at the Mint

Workers at the Nancy Mint in the 16th century endured long shifts, working from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter and from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer. They were also responsible for purchasing their own professional tools, such as hammers and anvils, at their own expense.

Music

Popular carnival dance at court

The Morisca was the most popular dance at the court of Lorraine, frequently performed by both men and women during the carnival season in costume.

At the table

Diet of poor vs. wealthy peasants

While wealthier peasants had access to various meats and fruits, poorer families primarily relied on a basic diet of soup, bread, and cheese. They often drank a local beverage known as picotte instead of wine.

Getting around

Daily travel distance for pack animals

In level country, merchant trains using pack animals could cover fifteen to twenty-five miles per day.

What it cost

Cost of a stained-glass window in 1516

In 1516, a stained-glass window featuring the coat of arms of Renée of Bourbon was commissioned from the glazier Nicolas Graxien for a payment of 2 francs.