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This rushlight and candle holder originally came from Sussex, and is thought to have been made in the 18th century. It is made of wrought iron, with a solid round wooden base. It was formerly part of the collections at the Victoria & Albert Museum. 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/candle holder: metal (wrought iron); wood

1700-01-01 - 1799-12-31

Eighteenth century

Holder, candle, Holder, rushlight

Wood, Metal, iron