English: 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 edge which has been slightly damaged. Where the ampulla sides taper there is an integral cast loop on either side. Both these loops have a square shaped cross-section. The ampulla measures, 55.3mm in length (from the upper edge to the apex of the base), 34mm maximum width (across the base of the ampulla), and is 9mm thick (at the base). The ampulla weighs 40.56 grams.

  The front and rear face of the ampulla is decorated with cast motifs. The front face is decorated with several different elements. The central element consists of a raised cast crown formed from a linear band with central fleur-de-lys, below this crown is a second horizontal band with a sub-triangular projection linking it the crown. Below the second band is a curvi-linear sworl in the shape of a reversed J. On either side of the crown and sworl are two floral patterns these are formed from curvi-linear lines and clusters of lentoid pellets. Around the very edge of the base and sides of the front face (enclosing the central design) are zig-zag patterned cast ridges. The reverse of the ampulla has another cast design. This is located in the centre of the flask and consists of an ornate fleur-de-lys. This is formed from a central horizontal band from which three curvilinear lines emerge from the upper half. These lines are mirrored in the lower half of the design. To both the left and right sides of the central fleur-de-lys are a series of small pellets. This whole design is enclosed within two concentric bands, the inner formed from a raised curvilinear ridge and the second from a circular series of rounded interlinked pellets. A similar zig-zag design occurs around the edge of the flask (see above description). 


 
 The ampulla is a mid yellow grey colour with an even patina that covers the majority of surfaces.  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 diagonal crease running across the upper edge of the ampulla. Other areas include damage (slight feathering) to the upper edge of the flask. All these are consistent to damage and 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.