In the news1575
Smallpox and measles epidemic (1575)
A widespread outbreak of smallpox and measles occurred in Holstein in 1575, severely impacting the lives of local families.
Braunfels, 17 May 1578 – 16 Apr 1630
8 facts1 source
17 May 1578
Born in Braunfels
27 Jul 1610
A daughter is born
16 Apr 1630
Dies, aged 51
She lived through 7 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Braunfels.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1575
A widespread outbreak of smallpox and measles occurred in Holstein in 1575, severely impacting the lives of local families.
Getting around
Alternative methods of faster travel
While most people walked, specialized travel options included boats for river travel and the emerging mounted postal service. River travel was faster downstream, sometimes reaching up to 150 kilometers in 24 hours under optimal conditions, while mounted postal couriers could cover significantly more ground than a pedestrian.
In the news1572
The collapse of the major merchant and banking house Loitz in Stettin in 1572 caused widespread economic turmoil throughout the region of Pomerania.
Daily life
Kitchen stoves and built-in water cisterns
Many modest kitchens lacked open hearths, instead using a large, soot-covered stove in a separate room that served for both cooking and heating. Some of these stoves featured built-in water cisterns that provided hot water and a place to boil food like dumplings.
What people wore
The high value of clothing and tailoring
Clothing was highly valuable, often made to measure by tailors, and could be pawned to raise funds quickly. A typical working man's entire wardrobe might be worth only a few shillings to a pound.
Music
Professional city musicians, the Stadtpfeifer
Stadtpfeifer, or city pipers, were professional musicians employed by councils to perform on towers, in dance halls, and at public festivities using instruments like shawms, sackbuts, and slide brass.
At the table
Grains and vegetables as staples
For ordinary families, grains served as the foundation of the diet in the form of porridges or coarse breads. Vegetables such as turnips, cabbage, and onions were essential daily staples, often cooked with lard or bacon.