Medieval Candle Making.
A Hands-On Guide!

Digging deep into candle making history we find an unusual way to make candles. The Roman Method of candle making was used mostly by priests. It’s the best way to make LONG candles of the type favored by the church.

This method was used because you didn’t have to keep a DEEP pot of beeswax (favored by the church) or tallow at the correct temperature for a long time. It’s hard enough to do that on a modern stove much less a wood fire.

The other types of medieval candle making were molding and dipping. For detailed step by step instructions on how to render tallow and dip candles see my page on colonial candle making.

So what IS the Roman Method of medieval candle making? Basically you pour the wax ONTO the wick instead of dipping the wick into the wax.

Ok, so let’s do some medieval candle making! You’ll need…

A double boiler (a large pot with an empty juice can set into the boiling water will work)

A heat source

A pound of beeswax

A length of string (for true medieval candle making use flax or wool instead of cotton)

A “Broach” (a stick to suspend your wick from)

Two chairs or saw horses (something to set your broach on so the candle hangs free)

A drop cloth or newspapers if working indoors

A knife

A ladel or large spoon

Large pot or cookie sheet (to catch the wax that drips off)

Set up your medieval candle making area in advance. I suggest you do this outside if possible because making medieval candles can get MESSY. The chairs should be set back to back close enough together so your broach can be set atop them. Place newspapers or drop cloth under this area to catch any stray drips if you’re working indoors.

Melt the beeswax over low heat in the double boiler. Using a double boiler is best as you have less worries about fire and the water volume will help you to maintain the wax at a constant temperature.

Cut the wick material to desired length. A good rule of thumb is the length you want your finished candle to be plus about 4 inches. Dip your wicks into the wax, pull it straight and let harden. Starting with straight wicks will help you make straight candles.

Tie your wick to the broach. Set the broach on your chairs or other stand. The stiffened and straightened wick should hang down between the two supports. Place your catch-pan under the suspended wick.

Carefully, dip the melted beeswax out of the pot. Pour it slowly down the length of the wick. Stop when the wick is completely coated. Wait for it to cool slightly then repeat this process until the candle is as thick as you want it to be. Occasionally put the wax from the catch-pan back into the pot to reheat.

Shape the candle with your hands Gently grasp the cooling candle, pulling and squeezing as you slide your hand down it’s length to create a pleasing taper shape. This takes some practice but you’ll get a feel for it with time. Be sure to let the candle COOL slightly before doing this. We don’t want anyone to get burned.

When your candle is the size and shape you want, hang it up to harden. You can even bleach it as they did by hanging it in the sun for week or so. Just be sure not to let it get rained on or do this in too hot of weather or your candle might melt.

So… medieval candle making wasn’t that hard was it? Be sure to let me know how yours turn out. Send me pictures of your finished candles and I’ll post them here on my medieval candle making page for everyone to admire!

For more fun candle facts be sure to see Candle Making History and Candle Making For Kids.

Need soy candle making supplies? Click Here.