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Sophie von Dönhoff

Q2475090, 17 Oct 1768 – Heckelberg-Brunow, 28 Jan 1838

9 facts2 sources

Facts and their sources

  • Born17 Oct 1768, Q2475090not verified1 source
  • Died28 Jan 1838, Heckelberg-Brunowor 28 Jan 1834Records disagree1 source
  • FatherQ110262300not verified1 source
  • MotherQ117358493not verified1 source

A life in time

  1. 17 Oct 1768

    Born in Q2475090

  2. 1792–1793

    2 children are born

  3. 28 Jan 1838

    Dies in Heckelberg-Brunow, aged 69

During her lifetime

She lived through 8 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Q2475090.

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

The 1760s · Sophie is born in Q2475090

In the news1769

Introduction of Paper Money

The government introduced paper money, known as assignats, for the first time in 1769, though ordinary people initially distrusted them and preferred metal coins.

Getting around

Speed of professional couriers

Couriers using fast post horses could travel up to 125 km in a single day during this period.

In the news1756–1763

Seven Years' War casualties and destruction

During the Seven Years' War, some 160,000 Prussian soldiers died in battle or from disease, devastating the population.

Daily life

The versatile Russian stove and new ceilings

The Russian stove served as the center of the home for cooking and heating, often featuring a dedicated sleeping bench on top. During the 18th century, homes increasingly adopted flat ceilings, which helped distribute smoke more evenly, reducing the need for the traditional smoke-venting windows.

What people wore

Inherited silk festive clothing of wealthy families

Merchant and wealthy peasant women cherished festive clothing made from thick silk fabrics like satin and brocade, which were passed down through generations. These colorful, expensive garments were often adorned with large, bright floral patterns that reflected a blend of European trends and traditional folk art.

Music

Social Gatherings and Folk Music Traditions

During the eighteenth century, young people often organized gatherings where they sang and danced, such as the cabbage-chopping parties, where work was followed by music and dancing once the older adults left the room.

At the table

Kvas was the universal drink

Kvas, a light, slightly alcoholic drink made from fermented rye bread, was a universal beverage for ordinary people. It was so essential that it was also used as a base for soups and to braise meat.