Object number
57/191
Description
This rushlight holder was given to the donor by the family of Sir Robert Hunter, Post Master General in the 19th century. It was originally used in Haslemere, Surrey. 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.
Archival history
MERL ‘Associated information’ form – 'Given to Mrs Yeo by Sir Robert Hunter's family of Haslemere, Surrey. // He was Post Master General in the 19th C. // [pencil sketch] // This holder was given to Mrs Yeo by Sir Robert Hunter's family of Haslemere, Surrey. He was Postmaster General in the 19th Century. // It stands 8" high and has a base of 2 1/2". // The most common method of holding the rishlight was by a hinged clip on a stem, one of the jaws being [?] on as a candle nozzle. For [?] used, the stems were usually mounted on a wooden base (as here) but the more ornamented had three metal legs.'
Production date
1800-01-01 - 1899-12-31
Production period
Nineteenth century
Object name
Associated subject
Associated person/institution
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_2228.tif - High resolution image
