51/1233

This wrought iron holder has no base but has a tapered stem bent at a right angle that would be driven into the wall like a bracket light. It was used as both a candle holder and a rushlight holder. It dates from the eighteenth century. Rushlights became extremely common after 1709 with the introduction of a tax on candles, which lasted until 1831. Rushes were peeled and the pith was weathered and immersed in hot bacon fat and left to dry, before being burned.

1 rushlight bracket: metal [wrought iron]; good condition

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'This rushlight and candle holder is made of wrought iron. There is no base but the main stem is bent in a right angle and tapered so that it can be driven into a wall. It was therefore used as a bracket light. It is 5.5 inches high. // See also 51/1184, 51/1177', Victoria & Albert Museum No. M381, 1924.

1700-01-01 - 1799-12-31

Eighteenth century

Holder, rushlight, Holder, candle