William II, Prince of Orange

What people wore

Dutch Women's Headwear Traditions

In the early 17th century, a woman's hair was typically hidden under a small cap; she first wore an under-cap directly on her hair, followed by an ornamental cap on top.

Daily life

Strict Classroom Discipline

Basic school rules strictly prohibited students from throwing fleas, lice, or snot at classmates, with punishments including being whipped with a stick or hit with a paddle.

Work

Long days from dawn to dusk

Working days were extremely long, typically beginning between 4 and 6 am and lasting until 7 or 9 pm, with only short breaks for meals. Working hours often varied by season, being significantly shorter during the winter months.

Music

Music in daily Dutch life

The Dutch enjoyed music at home in small amateur groups called Collegia Musica or during family gatherings, while common folk played instruments like fiddles, bagpipes, and hurdy-gurdies at taverns, weddings, and seasonal festivals. Songs were integral to daily life, with maids singing during housework and lullabies used to put children to sleep.

At the table

Bread as a dietary staple

Bread was the cornerstone of the diet, with poor families consuming significant amounts of dark rye bread. A family of four might eat as much as five pounds of this dense, rye bread daily.

Getting around

Strict schedules and timekeeping measures

To ensure punctuality, sandglasses were used in boats and at docks to time the trips, and skippers were fined if they caused delays. In some cases, passengers could even pay 18 stuivers to force a boat to depart.

What it cost

Cost of bread and beer

In 1620, a 12-pound loaf of rye bread cost 6.5 stuivers, while a tankard of beer cost only 0.5 stuivers.