Johanna Susanna Hartsinck

What people wore

Clothing costs in 1724 Waremme

In 1724, the cost of a leather pair of breeches was 16 florins, while the labor cost to tailor a coat for a young man was 8 florins and 13 patars.

Getting around

Antwerp to Brussels travel details

A trip from Antwerp to Brussels was a major state affair, involving a departure at 8:00 AM, a stop in Mechelen until 2:00 PM for lunch, and an arrival in the capital in the evening. It cost 2 gulden and 10 stuivers.

At the table

Rare colonial groceries in rural homes

While common people in the countryside still relied largely on self-provisioning, colonial groceries like tea and coffee were initially rare novelties mostly found in the homes of innkeepers before the 1760s. Before this widespread adoption, these caffeinated drinks were consumed only by a handful of farmers and specific crafting households.

Music

Italian-style church music revival in Antwerp

Church music underwent a modern Italian-style revival in Antwerp after 1718, where new masses were performed only during extraordinary ceremonies to maintain their exclusivity.

Daily life

Transition from open hearths to coal stoves

Before the 18th century, coal stoves were mostly unknown, but by the end of the century, about half of the households in cities like Ghent had installed them. Open hearths remained the standard technology for cooking.

What it cost

Rye prices in the 18th century

Between 1701 and 1792, rye prices in the Ghent and Deinze region fluctuated between 50 and 100 groten Vlaams per halster.