Rushlights

Subjects covered in this issue: livery clothing, ca. 1460-1480; the fletching of arrows; and the making and usage of rushlights.

Rushlights, while almost unknown today, were in common use in Northern Europe from ancient times through the early 20th century. They are nothing more than a properly-trimmed and dried plant which is subsequently soaked in tallow. These long strips are then burned in special holders designed to simplify the frequent adjustment of the rush required as it is consumed by the flame.