English: Incomplete cast lead or lead alloy pilgrims ampulla dating from the medieval period; late 13th - late 15th century (1250-1450). The pilgrims’ ampulla is broadly sub-rectangular in plan and profile. The lower part has a rounded convex base which expands and then tapers slightly to form a waste at the mid point. This then flares outwards towards the upper edge which has been damaged. Where the ampulla sides flare there are two small integral cast loops with an angular profile, being broadly triangular in shape, and oval in cross section (thickness 2.6mm). The lower and upper parts of the ampulla have been flattened, with the lower flask being squashed. The upper edge (mouth of the flask) has also been flattened and possibly clipped (deliberately cut) and the edges compressed back together.

The ampulla measures, 37.4mm in length (from the upper edge to the apex of the base), 32.6mm maximum width (across the base of the ampulla), and is 8.7mm thick (at the base). The ampulla weighs 33.87 grams.

The front and rear face of the ampulla are decorated with cast motifs. These designs have been abraded and much worn. The front face is decorated with a relatively complex design: At the base is a crown with a central cross / lis, small ornaments and bifoliate side fleurs, above this is a crowned head. This element is much worn. The crown and crowned head are separated by an unusually shaped design which might be best described as the drapery of the head depicted. This crowned head is relatively similar to that seen on medieval coinage (specifically the Edwardian Coins of the late 13th and 14th Centuries). The design on the reverse face is more difficult to describe and see. A series of geometric designs are present and it is possible that these may show either a building or possibly coat of arms, contained within a square shield. A direct parallel for these designs has not been found, however it is possible that the double crowned head may represent a martyred king (possibly St Edmund – the shrine tomb at Bury St Edmunds) however that is based on conjecture.

The ampulla is a mid grey cream colour with an uneven polished patina. This patina has been abraded in multiple areas revealing a mid grey corroded white metal beneath. There are several areas of damage present; the most significant of these is a lateral tear across one face of the ampulla. Where abrasion and tearing has occurred a light grey powdery corrosion product is present. These areas of damage are consistent with abrasion occurring in the plough zone of a field. Ampullae were used to contain holy water, as a souvenir of a pilgrimage; they date to the 13th to 15th centuries. It has been suggested that many of these are found unconnected with religious sites (specifically in East Anglia) and it is thought that they could have been used and discarded in a religious ceremony to bless the fields. Not enough ampullae have been recorded in the West to say if a similar tradition is prevalent here.