In the news1575
Smallpox and measles epidemic (1575)
A widespread outbreak of smallpox and measles occurred in Holstein in 1575, severely impacting the lives of local families.
29 Jan 1574 – 2 May 1604
7 facts1 source
29 Jan 1574
Born
1 Jan 1602
A daughter is born
2 May 1604
Dies, aged 30
She lived through 4 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1575
A widespread outbreak of smallpox and measles occurred in Holstein in 1575, severely impacting the lives of local families.
Getting around
Alternative methods of faster travel
While most people walked, specialized travel options included boats for river travel and the emerging mounted postal service. River travel was faster downstream, sometimes reaching up to 150 kilometers in 24 hours under optimal conditions, while mounted postal couriers could cover significantly more ground than a pedestrian.
In the news1572
The collapse of the major merchant and banking house Loitz in Stettin in 1572 caused widespread economic turmoil throughout the region of Pomerania.
Daily life
School costs in pfennigs
Families sometimes paid quarterly school fees ranging from 12 to 18 pfennigs, while some also had to provide a log of wood during winter.
What people wore
Commoner daily attire and accessories
Ordinary men wore simple tunics, pants often made of wool or linen, and carried belt pouches, while women commonly wore dresses with aprons, sometimes carrying keys or knives on their belts. For warmth or adornment, women added capelets, and unmarried girls were known to wear velvet headbands.
Music
Moralizing Italian dance songs for students
Teachers and pastors replaced erotic texts of popular Italian dance-songs with moral or devotional words to create acceptable music for schoolboys to sing.
At the table
Daily beer consumption in northern regions
In northern regions like Münster, beer was the standard everyday beverage, with people consuming between 2 and 3 litres daily. Wine was reserved only for the four most important religious feast days.