Editing Lighting (section)

==Comparison==

Here’s a comparison of the main types of medieval lighting, focusing on their burn time and the amount of light they provided:

{| class="wikitable"
! Lighting Type !! Burn Time (Approximate) !! Amount of Light !! Characteristics and Drawbacks
|-
| Rushlight || 15 minutes–1.5 hours (typically short, often 20-30 mins) || Very dim || Cheapest and most accessible for the poor. Made from rush pith soaked in animal fat. Flickering, yellowish flame. Produces some smoke and grease. Requires frequent replacement.
|-
| Tallow candle || 1–8 hours (depending on size and thickness) || Dim to moderate || More expensive than rushlights, common for general population. Made from animal fat (tallow). Noticeable, often unpleasant, greasy odour. Produces significant smoke and soot. Prone to dripping. Wicks often needed regular trimming (snuffing) to maintain burn quality.
|-
| Beeswax Candle || Several hours to 10+ hours (longer than tallow for same size) || Moderate to Bright (for medieval standards) || Most expensive and luxurious, reserved for nobility and the Church. Made from beeswax. Burns much cleaner with less smoke and soot. Emits a pleasant, sweet smell. Brighter and longer-lasting than tallow candles. Considered purer and held religious significance.
|-
| Oil Lamp || Several hours to 24+ hours (depending on reservoir size and oil type) || Dim to moderate || Simple vessel with oil (vegetable, fish) and a wick. Burn time can be very long with sufficient fuel, making them suitable for overnight or continuous light. Light quality varies with oil type; often yellow-orange and flickering. Generally less smoky and smelly than tallow, especially with high-quality oils like olive oil (if available). Required refilling, but could be refilled while burning. Less prone to dripping than candles.
|-
| Torch	|| 15 minutes–1 hour (burns quickly due to open exposure) || Bright (localised, intense) || Bundles of wood/rags soaked in pitch, resin, fat, or tar. Used for outdoor illumination, travel, or lighting large, temporary areas. Provided significant light, but consumed fuel rapidly. Produced a lot of smoke and strong odours. High fire risk.
|}