Archduke Leopold Joseph of Austria

What people wore

Tyrolean leather breeches and secure belts

In Tyrol, men's leather breeches became a regional signature, often colored black, and were secured with wide belts called Bauchranzen used to carry money safely.

Getting around

Travel times by carriage in the 1700s

In the 18th century, a 30-kilometer trip between St. Pölten and Melk took 5 to 7 hours, while a 115-kilometer journey to St. Florian took 20 to 28 hours.

At the table

Everyday drinks for the people

Common drinks included water, milk, and bread-water, while beer was a staple for the general population. Every local inn typically brewed its own dark, top-fermented beer.

Music

Rural children were musically literate and skilled

In 18th-century Bohemia, Moravia, and Austria, children in rural schools were taught to play instruments like violins, hautbois, and bassoons, resulting in a musically literate population. Even in the smallest villages, peasants sang and played various instruments during High Mass.

Daily life

Water access and cooking routines

Access to water was a daily chore requiring residents to fetch it from nearby pumps or neighborhood fountains. Cooking was a labor-intensive activity centered on iron pots and ceramic bowls, often performed in cramped, multi-purpose living areas.

What it cost

Daily wages for laborers

In the late 17th century, day laborers earned about 6 kreuzer for women and up to 18 kreuzer for some skilled laborers like carpenters.