As part of my on going desire to learn and recreate ancient skills and techniques.I thought I'd stick to the "fire" theme (much to Louises delight ) and try to make Rush lights.
For those not familiar with the term,a Rush light is a poor mans candle. Candles were very expensive ,especially beeswax, but tallow was also dear.Rushes would be cut at a certain time of year,99% stripped of its skin,dried and then pulled through animal fats collected in a "Grisset" in the fire place. The Rushlight would be held in a Rush nip,a wooden or Iron stand that lightly clamped the Rush.
A 1.5 foot long rush at an angle of about 20 degrees would only burn for about an hour and needed to be constantly pushed through the nip.If more light was needed the Rush could be moved horizontal for a faster,brighter burn and both ends lit,hence the saying "burning the candle at both ends"
   As usual I am going through a steep learning curve in learning this technique. For instance I used the wrong type of rushes first which wouldn't burn.I have now learned about the Rush I require (juncus effusus) I have also sussed out how long to soak the Rushes and roughly how to peel them with my thumbnail,though there is much improvement and practice needed here!! I have dipped them in molten lard and they work!!
  Problem now is that the Rushes should have been collected at the height of summer whilst bright green and with a good strong Pith.The ones I collected yesterday have a disintegrating pith and are no good.
  Has anyone else mastered this and got any tips?
Oggie.

Thanks Andy.
Oggs.

Hi Emma,
           Sounds like exactly the same thing.I peeled the Rush with my thumbnail (after soaking them in the bath for two hours) but I left a thin strip of the cortex down the length of the rush to support it and to keep it straight.I then tied the rushes to an old arrow shaft so that they dry straightish and then I left them to dry for two days.
 I used a roasting tray to melt some lard (I would like to find the original or reproduction implement for this called a "Grisset")
 Using a pair of pliers I dipped the rush in the hot fat till the bubbles stopped then put it on kitchen towel to dry and then dipped it a second time.
   I experimented in our totally darkened living room.The rush, in an improvised rush holder at an angle of about 20 degrees, lit immediately and stayed lit! The light given off was poor by modern standards but its enough to see everything in the room and if I sat very close to the rush I could just read by it.
There was no drips of unburned fat and only a hint of lard smell.The experiment was a success but I think I've missed the time to harvest the rushes so I'm going to have to remember to get them next year.
Oggie.

Stop taking the Pith Mr Hadfield