Oil lamps

Oil Lamps

Oil lamps have been used since ancient times. They were often just a hollowed out stone or piece of clay with a twisted moss wick. The end of the wick was lit and as the oil soaked up the wick and kept it burning.

If more wicks were put in the oil then there would be more light.

All sorts of different types of oil lamp were made through history. This one in the picture is a copy of one from 400 years ago. The oil was put in the little cup at the top.

All sorts of oil could be used - whale oil, linseed oil, rape seed oil or olive oil. A wick of twisted hemp or linen was fixed in the spout for the oil to soak up and give a light.

The saucer underneath caught the drips.