English: Cast lead or lead alloy pilgrims ampulla dating from the medieval period; late 13th - late 15th century (1250-1450). The ampulla is broadly sub-rectangular in plan and profile. Its lower part has a rounded convex base that 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 broken stumps (one on either side) where small integral cast loops would have fitted. The ampulla has been flattened whilst the upper edge has been torn. There is also evidence of a single deliberate cut mark on the tear suggesting that this is deliberate damage rather than as a result of movement in the soil. The ampulla measures, 48.9mm in length (from the upper edge to the apex of the base), 29.9mm maximum width (across the base of the ampulla) and is 10.1mm thick (at the base). It weighs 39.68 grams. The face and back of the ampulla are decorated with cast motifs. These designs have been abraded The face has a cast design of a shield which is divided by a vertical cross. The cross is formed from a wide band which is filled with chevrons, the vertical axis in one direction and the horizontal axis in the opposing. The four divided areas on the shield created by the cross are filled with other symbols, although these are badly abraded. It is possible that some are debased fleur-de-lis (three conjoined pellets), but wear precludes further speculation. The neck of the flask is not decorated on the face. The faceted edge of the face is further decorated with a interlaced design of opposing diagonal lines forming a diamond shaped checker pattern. The design on the back is deeply cast consisting of curvilinear lines forming a shell design, representing the shell of St James - the symbol of pilgrimage. The ampulla is a mid grey cream colour with an uneven patina. This patina has been abraded in several areas revealing a mid grey metal beneath. There are several areas of damage present; the most significant of these is a lateral tear across one face of the ampulla, another is consistent with crushing of the flask. 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. A similar design on an ampulla can be seen in Salisbury Museum Medieval Catalogue II cat. no.127. Spencer in his description suggests that these were decorative arms rather than heraldic as similar designs can be seen on contemporary objects such as costrels (contemporary travellers water bottles).