Charles VII, Holy Roman Emperor

What people wore

Evolution of clothing materials and styles

During the late 17th century in the region, men's clothing primarily consisted of heavy, durable fabrics, whereas women's fashion began to change more rapidly with the emergence of the dress as a distinct garment.

Daily life

Lighting and candles in daily life

By 1700, an average household in Ghent possessed about six lighting-related objects, such as candles and candlesticks, which doubled by 1800. Candles provided brighter light than lamps but were more expensive, leading people to use oil lamps and small lanterns for daily tasks.

Work

Unusual labor tasks for the lord

In earlier times, peasants sometimes had to perform labor services like stirring pond water to keep frogs silent so the lord could sleep, though such feudal obligations were increasingly rare by the late 17th century.

Music

Dance music at taverns

Common people enjoyed dancing to the music of fiddlers and bagpipe players at taverns and festivals, often using instruments held against the chest or shoulder.

At the table

Simple diet of the ordinary people

Ordinary people in the Spanish Netherlands relied on a simple diet primarily consisting of rye bread, porridge, and soups made from vegetables grown in their own gardens. Meat was eaten only occasionally.

Getting around

Antwerp to Brussels travel schedule

A journey from Antwerp to Brussels took a full day, departing at 8 a.m. and arriving in the evening after stopping in Mechelen at noon for a meal.

What it cost

Food prices in the 17th century

A pig cost 24 livres, while a bushel of red wheat was priced at 47 sous in the 17th century.