Rushlights

Rushlights were the lighting choice of the poor - very low cost, but not very bright, and may be slightly smelly (because of the tallow). Used from ancient times through to the 20th century.

A pith-filled rush is cut, and soaked in tallow (rendered animal fat) so that the tallow soaks up into the pith. The rush is then dried, and when needed, put in a stand and lit, and slowly burns down like a candle.

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See also:

• lighting
• candles
• oil lamps