Charles FitzCharles, 1st Earl of Plymouth

Getting around

Efficient Canal Travel by Trekschuit

The trekschuit (horse-drawn barge) was the most common way to travel between towns, with a trip from Delft to Rotterdam taking one hour and forty-five minutes. Passengers could choose between the cheaper hold or the more comfortable cabin, with services running on strict, reliable schedules.

Daily life

Keeping food fresh using ventilated cupboards

To keep food fresh without refrigeration, families used a spinde, a cupboard with ventilation grilles that allowed air to circulate. Alternatively, families stored food in cellars or relied on daily consumption, as items like bread were essential staples.

What people wore

Festive winter skating layers

During winter, people of all classes went ice skating and wore extra layers of wool under their everyday clothes. These layers were intentionally visible to add a touch of festivity to the otherwise drab winter landscape.

Music

Popular egg dance at festivals

In the 17th century, the egg dance was a popular folk tradition where dancers skillfully moved eggs out of a chalk circle using only their feet to the sound of a fiddle and bagpipe.

At the table

Beer as a Safe Daily Staple

Ordinary families drank beer throughout the day because local water was often contaminated and unsafe. Children consumed a low-alcohol small beer, as the brewing process killed dangerous bacteria.