In the news1659
Plague epidemic strikes Denmark in 1659
A plague epidemic broke out in 1659, causing the death of 25% to 30% of the population.
Copenhagen, 20 Jun 1650 – Castle Lichtenburg, 22 Apr 1706
10 facts3 sources
20 Jun 1650
Born in Copenhagen
22 Apr 1706
Dies in Castle Lichtenburg, aged 55
She lived through 6 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Copenhagen.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1659
A plague epidemic broke out in 1659, causing the death of 25% to 30% of the population.
Getting around
Introduction of passenger mail coaches
In 1653, the Danish postal service began operating mail coaches that carried both passengers and parcels twice a week.
In the news1654
Otto von Guericke demonstrated the power of a vacuum in Regensburg using sixteen horses to pull apart two sealed hemispheres.
Daily life
Limited and Specialized Schooling
Schooling was not universal; in rural areas, children often only attended school in winter, while in places like Nyboder, boys were trained as future naval workers with rye as part of their pay.
What people wore
Everyday footwear and trousers
Peasant men often wore knickers made from tanned buckskin, and both men and women typically wore clogs for everyday and festive activities.
Music
Town musicians held exclusive performance rights
Privileged town musicians held a monopoly on all paid musical performances for citizens and farmers, often charging for their services at weddings and feasts.
At the table
Beer consumption in daily life
Beer was an essential part of the daily diet, consumed morning, afternoon, and evening by people of all social classes. Adults typically consumed at least twelve barrels of beer per year.