I hope this section may create an interest for the newcomer or future collector on this subject. Mr Bishop of Castle Coombe wrote something similar over 25 years ago which helped fuel our enthusiasm. This is not intended as an 'in-depth' study, more of a simplistic look with (I hope) some useful pointers. There are two very good books available which cover the subject in far greater detail:

Fire & Light in the Home pre 1820 by John Caspall  The Rushlight & Related Holders by Robert Ashley

For the newcomer - Rushlights were used as a light source. With the introduction of a Candle Tax in 1709, rushes became the cheaper alternative. Pith from common Field Rushes was dipped in animal fat and burnt in the jaws of the rushlight or 'Nip'.

A more detailed account often quoted is from Gilbert White's Natural History of Selborne. The following local (to me) extracts are taken from Studies of Nidderdale (1867-1872) by Lucas, almost 100 years later than the Selborne account.

"The Seaves (Rushes) were gathered at certain places on the moors by parties of gatherers, who went out to get them - in the autumn or late in summer. They chose the largest and strongest, from which they stripped off the outer skin, so as to enable the tissues to imbibe the melted fat into which they were dipped. As the same places were visited year after year, they were known by names, such as "Seavy Hill" etc..
 

"There was formerly in use in Nidderdale a Rush Stand, originally made by splitting a stick, and in fact this sort of rush-stand was in use down to the time when the farmers gave up making their own candles. An important kind was made of iron, with a spring to compress the holder upon the candle. Of this kind, I give a sketch, which I made of one belonging to Mrs. Ryder, of Middlesmoor."

The photograph shown here is a similar example, without the tripod base.

Unfortunately, over the years, prices have continued to rise, and now it's difficult to purchase rushlights at a reasonable price. However, the following also shows other options available.

Photo 1: The rushlight shown here is an excellent eighteenth-century example (formerly in the Philip Wacher Collection). This would cost in excess of £500 (a replacement base could reduce this figure by half), though the wooden lantern could be purchased for around £50 (continental, of no great age, but a nice look).

In photographs 3 (above) and 4 (left) I have purposely been rather vague with my descriptions. This gives you the opportunity to determine the reproductions for yourself. You may wish to contact us with your thoughts on the matter.

Photo 4: Two of these are reproduction which I find quite acceptable as decorative pieces (also interesting to compare Old and New) and may be purchased for well under £50 each.