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Duchess Louise Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Schwerin, 19 Nov 1779 – Gotha, 4 Jan 1801

9 facts3 sources

Facts and their sources

A life in time

  1. 19 Nov 1779

    Born in Schwerin

  2. 21 Dec 1800

    A daughter is born

  3. 4 Jan 1801

    Dies in Gotha, aged 21

Family

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Parents

Partner

Children · 1

During her lifetime

She lived through 4 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Schwerin.

General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.

The 1770s · Duchess is born in Schwerin

In the news1770–1771

Migration during the 1770-71 famine

During the great famines of 1770–71, peasants from other parts of Germany migrated to Prussia where food supplies were more accessible.

Getting around

Slow speeds on poor road networks

Stagecoaches traveled at a walking pace of only 4 to 5 km/h, stopping every 15 to 30 kilometers at relay stations to change horses and passengers. Due to the poor conditions of the roads, these journeys were often exhausting and prone to accidents.

In Europe1772–1795

Poland is partitioned

Russia, Prussia and Austria divided Poland among themselves in three steps until, in 1795, it vanished from the map for 123 years.

Daily life

Homes with Sanded Floors and Lead Windows

In homes with stone or brick floors, families often scattered sand across the floor and stairs. Windows featured small round glass panes set within lead frames.

What people wore

Noble Men Preferred Wigs Over Beards

In the 18th century, noble men famously wore wigs and makeup, while facial hair was strictly shunned for most men, marking a major departure from later masculine standards.

Music

Festival courtship and entertainment

During town fairs, young men purchased sweets and confections for their sweethearts, with the lover placing the first piece into the girl's mouth. Young people also frequented local inns to enjoy dancing, singing, and string music.

At the table

Meat was a rare and precious luxury

While fresh meat was a rare luxury, some households relied on salted or smoked pork and beef, often cooking bones in sauerkraut when meat was scarce.