Mary Oldenburg

What people wore

Typical working-class female attire

Working-class women typically wore a shift, petticoat, and gown, often accessorized with an apron to protect their clothes during daily labor.

Daily life

Lighting homes without modern matches

Candles were essential for light as there were no matches; people used flint and steel to strike a light, and brass candlesticks with snuffers were common household items.

Work

Laborers earned extra pay as night watchmen

St. Paul’s Cathedral labourers could earn extra money by working as night watchmen, which paid 12d per shift after 1700, equivalent to more than half of their standard daily wage. A typical day for construction labourers involved physically demanding tasks like demolition or digging, often lasting until it was too dark to see.

Music

Cost of musical instruments for amateurs

While professional instruments like harpsichords were expensive, costing 35 to 50 guineas, amateur musicians could purchase violins for £2 to £3 or an oboe for less than £2.

At the table

Beer was common for all classes

Beer was a standard drink even for children, with working men often receiving an allowance of up to a gallon per day as part of their wages. Midday dinner for workers typically consisted of bread, beer, and cheese or fatty bacon.

Getting around

Costs of pack horse transport

Transporting goods by pack horse cost about 5 shillings for 112 pounds of weight carried over 100 miles. Summer travel was generally cheaper and faster than in the winter months.

What it cost

Costs of meat and bread provisions

Butcher's meat cost 1s. 10d. per stone in 1729. Bread prices fluctuated, but in 1745, one penny could purchase 15 ounces and 9/16 of bread.