George William of Brunswick-Lüneburg-Celle

At the table

Daily porridge served as the staple meal

Porridge was the primary daily meal, often cooked in large batches and reheated, leading to a tough consistency. Ordinary families ate it by reaching into a shared bowl with their hands.

What people wore

Men's fashion favored comfort and leather boots

During the Thirty Years' War, men's fashion shifted toward comfort, featuring high-waisted doublets and wide, knee-length breeches that fell in loose folds. Soldiers and educated men alike popularized large leather boots that reached above the knee, which were often worn turned down or slouching.

Getting around

Frequent settlements provided support for travelers

Travelers on foot or with pack animals often relied on a network of paths where rural settlements were frequently spaced within a 10-kilometer distance of each other.

What it cost

Food and clothing costs in 1622

In 1622 Pomerania, a pound of bacon cost 5 to 6 Schillinge, while a pair of simple shoes cost 20 Schillinge, nearly four times the price of the bacon.

Music

Weekly Music in Villages

In rural villages, musicians and singers performed church music every Sunday, and they even held dance events in local taverns.

Daily life

Dark and smoky rural homes

Rural homes, known as Hallenhäuser, lacked chimneys; the open fire caused dark, smoky, and stuffy living conditions. Families often lived under the same roof as their livestock, sharing the space with generations and servants.