Edward, Count Palatine of Simmern

At the table

Beer as a safer everyday drink

Because water was frequently contaminated, ordinary families drank beer with every meal, including breakfast. This beer was typically a low-alcohol variety, often called small beer, which was safer to consume than water.

What people wore

Detachable Sleeves and Costs

Women used separate sleeves that were pinned or tied to their bodices, with prices such as 12 stuivers for gray satin sleeves and 8 stuivers for shorter ones.

Getting around

Strict schedules and timekeeping measures

To ensure punctuality, sandglasses were used in boats and at docks to time the trips, and skippers were fined if they caused delays. In some cases, passengers could even pay 18 stuivers to force a boat to depart.

What it cost

Bread as a primary expense

Bread was the cornerstone of the diet for the poor, who often spent 50 percent or more of their income on it.

Music

Egg dance challenge

The egg dance, a traditional folk dance, challenged dancers to move an egg out of a chalk circle using only their feet without breaking it.

Daily life

Sourcing clean water

Fresh water was difficult to source due to local pollution, so households relied on buying clean river water from transport companies or capturing rainwater in roof cisterns. This water was essential for cooking and cleaning, as ground water was often brackish or smelly.