Christian Ulrik Gyldenløve

What it cost

Rye bread price in the 1600s

In the 1600s, a pound of rye bread typically cost 1 to 2 skilling, though prices could rise significantly during grain shortages.

Music

Singing folk ballads was common entertainment

In the early 17th century, the vast majority of common people relied on singing old folk ballads (folkeviser) as their primary form of music at home and at gatherings. A letter from 1609 notes that people used these ancient verses and songs to enhance the joy of all feasts and social meetings.

Daily life

Managing Household Waste

When a toilet in a Copenhagen study house was cleaned in 1621, 131 loads of waste were removed, costing 34 dalers and 11 skilling. Households often relied on deep wells or barrels in the ground for waste, which had to be emptied when full.

Work

Wealth and labor among the peasantry

Wealthier peasants, such as Peder and Karen from Solrød, displayed their success by owning luxury goods, including twenty silver spoons, six silver cups, and two silver pitchers. In contrast, many cottars with little land were forced to work as day labourers, often receiving payment in the form of food.

Getting around

Standard day's journey of four miles

A Danish mile, used as a measure for travel, was approximately 7.5 kilometers, and four miles were considered a standard day's journey.

At the table

Beer replaced water for all ages

Because drinking water was often unsafe, people of all ages drank thin, sour beer with their meals instead.