ABSTRACT
80 PRICES AND WAGES IN ENGLAND In 1541 a purchase of 2 cades of oil1 each at 21s. 8d. was made for the Chapel, but this may have been of an inferior quality. Oil for cooking and burning in the scholars’ chambers was included under commons’ allowances to 1541. In 1535 candles were used in chambers for night lights owing to a lack of oil and from 1543 superseded oil as “ watch lights.” Oil for cooking was given in the Staurum Account in the years 1545-79 at an average cost of 30s. yearly, but quantities were frequently omitted : from 1571 to 1579 the annual expense on oil fell to under 10s. Both olive and rape oil were used in the Kitchen, the latter for cooking fish and for lighting. From 1580 small sums were spent on oil but no quantities were recorded. A few early rates can be given :— H.Yr. 1554 1556
