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Prince William of Hesse-Kassel

Biebrich, 24 Dec 1787 – Amalienborg, 5 Sep 1867

7 facts3 sources

Facts and their sources

A life in time

  1. 24 Dec 1787

    Born in Biebrich

  2. 1817–1820

    2 children are born

  3. 5 Sep 1867

    Dies in Amalienborg, aged 79

Family

See the tree

Parents

Partner

Children · 2

During his lifetime

He lived through 9 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Biebrich.

General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.

The 1780s · Prince is born in Biebrich

In the news1788

Abolition of the peasant bond (1788)

The abolition of the bond, known as Stavnsbåndet, was decreed in 1788 to transform peasants from semi-serfs into citizens.

Getting around

Slow speeds on poor road networks

Stagecoaches traveled at a walking pace of only 4 to 5 km/h, stopping every 15 to 30 kilometers at relay stations to change horses and passengers. Due to the poor conditions of the roads, these journeys were often exhausting and prone to accidents.

At the table

Meat was a rare and precious luxury

While fresh meat was a rare luxury, some households relied on salted or smoked pork and beef, often cooking bones in sauerkraut when meat was scarce.

The French Revolution. Parisians stormed the Bastille in 1789; the monarchy fell, the king was executed, and “liberty, equality, fraternity” spread across Europe.In Europe · 1789–1799

The French Revolution. Parisians stormed the Bastille in 1789; the monarchy fell, the king was executed, and “liberty, equality, fraternity” spread across Europe.

Unidentified painter · public domain

What people wore

Men’s Sunday Black Coat

Working men typically wore a simple black coat called a Rock for their Sunday attire, which was usually fastened with hooks rather than buttons.

Music

Festival courtship and entertainment

During town fairs, young men purchased sweets and confections for their sweethearts, with the lover placing the first piece into the girl's mouth. Young people also frequented local inns to enjoy dancing, singing, and string music.

Daily life

Structured school lessons for children

Children typically began attending school at age six and received two hours of daily instruction, while older children attended for four hours in the morning. Education focused on reading, writing, arithmetic, and religious instruction, with some schools incorporating geography, nature study, and health science.