Lighting

Comparison

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

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.

Key Considerations in Medieval Lighting:

Relative Brightness: All medieval light sources were significantly dimmer than modern electric lights. Even the “brightest” beeswax candle would be equivalent to a very low-wattage bulb.

Smoke and Soot: Most forms of medieval lighting, especially tallow candles and torches, produced considerable smoke and soot, which would have impacted air quality and stained interiors.

Odour: Tallow candles and some oils could produce unpleasant smells. Beeswax was prized for its clean burn and pleasant, natural aroma.

Cost and Accessibility: The cost and availability of materials heavily influenced what lighting people used. Peasants relied on free or cheap materials (rushes, animal fat), while the wealthy could afford more refined and efficient options.

Maintenance: Many early light sources required regular attention, such as wick trimming for candles or refilling for lamps.