John II, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Haderslev

At the table

Beer as a daily thirst quencher

Because water quality was poor, ordinary families drank beer with every meal, including children; it was typically not strong and often quite sour.

What people wore

DIY footwear for everyday use

Simple, practical footwear for daily use could be made by anyone with just a piece of animal skin, a knife to punch holes, and string to tie it around the ankle.

Getting around

Traveling by foot or wagon

In the 1500s, people typically traveled by foot, horseback, or in wagons, covering about 6 to 7 km per hour in a walking pace.

What it cost

Grain pricing in 1525

In 1525, the price for a pound of grain was set at 20 skilling, which calculated to 1 skilling per skæppe.

Music

Popular chain dancing and musical accompaniment

In the mid-16th century, common people frequently danced in chains, often to the sound of a performer simultaneously playing a pipe and a small drum.

Daily life

Living in cramped, cold timber-framed houses

Most ordinary Danish farmers lived in small, cold timber-framed houses built directly on the ground, sharing their limited space with livestock to help stay warm. People typically slept in short, cupboard-like alcove beds, often sitting upright because they believed lying flat was unhealthy or due to limited space.