File:Medieval ampulla (FindID 1008814).jpg

The object is flask shaped, with a circular pouch below a rectangular neck. It is hollow, and the two side loops are now missing, represented only as stubs which survive in weathered condition. It has been compressed post depositionally and is now somewhat flattened. There is decoration present on both faces, a design which may be floral, possibly a sexfoil with a central circle, or less likely a cross fleury on one side and a cross hatched grille on the other side.

The cross hatching design is present on a number of ampullae, including LEIC-7E123B which has a similar floral design on the other side, and PUBLIC-F47330 which has a more heraldic device. While it is tempting to connect the grille design with St Laurence and a number of Italian shrines where blood relics of the saint are supposed to liquify, it is much more likely to be a more generic design. The humerus of St Laurence was gifted to the monastic community at Ampleforth, Yorkshire, in the 20th century, but earlier relics may have been present at one of the many shrines dedicated to him.

Ampulla were designed to contain holy water to be used for blessings or worn by suspension through the loops as a talisman (Spencer, 1998: 203). There are often found discarded after being torn open to release the water. Spencer (ibid: 3) suggests that ampulla were popular in England from the second half of the 12th century until the early 14th century, when they were largely replaced by badges as the most popular type of pilgrimage memento.

Measurements: weight 50g