59/225

Used as a candle and a rushlight holder. 18th C. Rushlights were common after 1709 with the introduction of a tax on candles, until 1831.
This is an eighteenth century, English, wrought iron holder with a cruciform wooden base and an adjustable candle bracket. It was used as both a candle holder and a rushlight holder. 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 joined rushlight and candleholder: metal (iron)

Pre-MERL list / description – [Victoria and Albert Museum] ‘Ironwork objects for transfer to Museum of English Rural Life, Reading ... No. 11. Standard rush-light holder & candlestick. Wrought-iron, with cruciform wood base and extending candle bracket, the stem terminates in a flat knob. English: 18th century.', MERL ‘Provisional Group Card’ form – ‘Provisional Group card for: // Date Acquired: // Group: Lighting candle & rush // Negative: 60/34893 // Period: Rushlight & candle holder // Place of Origin: Victoria & Albert Museum // Number: 59/225 V&A 11 // Complied by: date: // Typed: // Wrought iron. English 18th century. [pencil sketch] 4ft long’

England

1700-01-01 - 1799-12-31

Eighteenth century

Holder, candle, Holder, rushlight