In the news1830
The Belgian Revolution begins in Brussels
On August 25, 1830, riots broke out in Brussels after an opera performance, triggering a revolution that led to Belgium's independence from the Netherlands.
Royal Castle of Laeken, 24 Mar 1837 – Brussels, 17 Nov 1905
8 facts3 sources
24 Mar 1837
Born in Royal Castle of Laeken
1872–1875
2 children are born
17 Nov 1905
Dies in Brussels, aged 68
He lived through 8 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Royal Castle of Laeken.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1830
On August 25, 1830, riots broke out in Brussels after an opera performance, triggering a revolution that led to Belgium's independence from the Netherlands.
What people wore
Women's festive and daily dress
Women typically wore a solid-colored bodice, a long skirt made of thick cotton, and a white cotton petticoat with lace. For feast days and Sundays, they enhanced this ensemble with a black silk apron and black or brown buttoned boots.
Getting around
Tow barges for reliable canal travel
Before the railway, tow barges drawn by horses were a primary, reliable, and punctual way to travel between towns along waterways. They moved at a slow speed of 3 to 4 km per hour, but maintained a strict schedule that did not wait for latecomers.
Around the world · 1839Photography is born. The daguerreotype was presented in Paris: for the first time a face or a street could be kept exactly as it looked.
In the news1835
In 1835, one of the first public railways in continental Europe opened, connecting Brussels to Mechelen.
Music
New instruments and dances gained popularity
During the 19th century, musicians imported instruments like clarinets, cornets, and trombones, and popular dances such as the polka, quadrille, and scottische became widespread.
Daily life
Access to household water via wells
Water for households was typically drawn from private wells on farms or communal wells found within the villages.