Charles VII, Holy Roman Emperor

What people wore

Evolution of clothing materials and styles

During the late 17th century in the region, men's clothing primarily consisted of heavy, durable fabrics, whereas women's fashion began to change more rapidly with the emergence of the dress as a distinct garment.

Daily life

Lighting and candles in daily life

By 1700, an average household in Ghent possessed about six lighting-related objects, such as candles and candlesticks, which doubled by 1800. Candles provided brighter light than lamps but were more expensive, leading people to use oil lamps and small lanterns for daily tasks.

Work

Long working days from dawn to dusk

Working days were long, typically starting at 5 am in summer or 6 am in winter and lasting until 8 pm, with only short breaks.

Music

Dance music at taverns

Common people enjoyed dancing to the music of fiddlers and bagpipe players at taverns and festivals, often using instruments held against the chest or shoulder.

At the table

Beer as the daily beverage

Beer was the standard drink for all, with records from Zichem indicating an estimated annual consumption of 456 liters per person. It was considered safer and healthier than water, which was often contaminated.

Getting around

Subsidized travel for the poor

While ordinary people traveled by boat, the poor could sometimes travel at a reduced fare thanks to city-funded armenkassen (poor funds), which also helped remove beggars from towns.

What it cost

Food prices in the 17th century

A pig cost 24 livres, while a bushel of red wheat was priced at 47 sous in the 17th century.