The aim of this paper is to provide a brief introduction to the thermoluminescence (TL) mechanism and its application to dating of the Palaeolithic. The relevance of the TL signal measured in the laboratory to the archaeological event to be dated is discussed, together in general terms with the types of material that are datable. The stability and saturation of the signal and the bearing of these factors on the upper age limit of the method are also considered. The necessity for in situ measurement of radiation levels on any site to be dated is emphasised. The development, limitations and some examples of the application of TL dating to three materials is then discussed in more detail. These materials are burnt flint, stalagmitic calcite and sediment and are those most commonly used for TL dating the Palaeolithic.