Ancient history

What did Victorians use for lights?

In the Victorian era, which spanned from the early 19th century to the early 20th century, there was a gradual transition from traditional lighting methods to more advanced lighting technologies. Here are some of the lighting sources used during the Victorian era:

1. Candles: Candles were the most common source of light during this period. They were made from various materials, such as wax, tallow, or beeswax. Candle holders, chandeliers, and candle stands were used to display and position the candles.

2. Oil Lamps: Oil lamps were also widely used. These lamps burned various oils, such as whale oil, kerosene, or paraffin. The wicks of oil lamps were typically made from cotton or linen.

3. Gas Lighting: Gas lighting became popular in the mid-19th century. Gas, usually obtained from coal, was piped into buildings and used to fuel gas lamps. Gas lamps provided brighter light compared to candles and oil lamps.

4. Electric Lighting: The development of electric lighting gained momentum toward the end of the Victorian era. Early electric lights, such as arc lamps and incandescent light bulbs, were introduced and gradually replaced gas lighting in many areas.

It is worth noting that the availability and use of lighting technologies varied during the Victorian period, with urban areas having better access to advanced lighting options than rural areas.