Holder, rushlight

This wrought iron holder has a spiral stem and a wooden block as a base. It was used as both a candle holder and a rushlight holder. It dates from the eighteenth century. 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.