What was a chandler in the 1800s?

In the 1800s, a chandler was a person who made or sold candles, as well as other small household items such as lamps, wicks, and snuffers. They played a vital role in society before the widespread availability of electricity, as candles were a primary source of light for many people. Chandlers would typically have a workshop or shop where they would craft and sell their goods, and they often specialized in different types of candles, such as tallow candles, beeswax candles, or spermaceti candles. Some chandlers also made and sold other household accessories such as soap, brooms, and brushes.