Clemens August of Bavaria

Getting around

Comfort and benefits of tow barges

Tow barges were popular for inter-town travel because they offered a comfortable, reliable, and scheduled service, often separated into different classes such as a cabin or hold, and sometimes allowed passengers to eat a meal on board. Unlike carriages, they were not shaken by road travel and allowed horses to rest when it was windy.

At the table

Rare colonial groceries in rural homes

While common people in the countryside still relied largely on self-provisioning, colonial groceries like tea and coffee were initially rare novelties mostly found in the homes of innkeepers before the 1760s. Before this widespread adoption, these caffeinated drinks were consumed only by a handful of farmers and specific crafting households.

What people wore

Sumptuary Laws Against Opulent Clothing

Authorities issued sumptuary laws to maintain social hierarchy, often banning lower classes from wearing gold, silver, pearls, silk, or costly furs, with violators risking fines or imprisonment.

Music

Fiddlers earned Nickelgrosken at village celebrations

Fiddlers were central to village life and were paid for their services at weddings and parties with small coins known as Nickelgrosken.

Daily life

Transition from open hearths to coal stoves

Before the 18th century, coal stoves were mostly unknown, but by the end of the century, about half of the households in cities like Ghent had installed them. Open hearths remained the standard technology for cooking.