English: Part of a cast lead or lead alloy pilgrims ampulla dating from the medieval period; late 13th - late 15th century (1250-1500).

      The pilgrims ampulla is broadly sub-rectangular in plan and profile. The 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 broken and damaged edge. Where the ampulla sides taper there is an integral loop on either side. Both these loops have been broken and have a square shaped cross-section. The ampulla measures, 43.1mm in length (from the upper edge to the apex of the base), 35.1mm maximimum width (across the base of the ampulla), and is 14mm thick (at the base). The lead is approximately 2.2mm thick, and the hollow to contain the holy water is at least 27.5mm deep and 18.9mm wide. The ampulla weighs 61.14 grams.  


     
     The majority of the damage to the ampulla seems to be old, as the light grey - yellow patina covers it. There are two specific areas of deliberate damage. The first is on the rear of the ampulla. Here, there has been a deliberate sub-circular (16mm x 12.3mm) hole cut through the back plate, presemably to gain access to the holy water? The second area of damage is to the top of the ampulla. Here it seems as if the ampulla has been deliberatley squashed or crushed and then torn. This second event probably occured after the cutting of the hole in the rear as it damages some the edges and obliterates others. 


  
     The front face of the ampulla is decorated with two motifs. The lower area, below the two projecting lugs, is decorated with a cast scallop or shell. This is formed from a series of curvi-linear ribs radiating from a horizontal bar. Above this bar is the second motif. This is formed from two sub-rectangular panels adjacent to each other. These panels are formed from raised linear cast ribs. Within each panel is a design, however, the detail has been obscured by corrosion and wear. The design could represent either two letters, or be a series of linear spirals or maze like patterns. Above these two panels is a third larger one. This has been obscured by the damage, described above, to the top of the flask. The reverse is plain. 


         

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.