AMPULLA

An incomplete medieval (1150-1500) lead pilgrim's ampulla, missing both of its side-lugs and much of the neck. The rounded end depicts a scallop shell (Spencer's type II) on one side and a crowned W on the other, both below a double transverse rib. It measures 55.51mm in length, 29.85mm across the rounded bottom and 31.07mm across the neck area, 7.63mm in max.thickness and weighs 39.12g.
The damaged neck consists of an incomplete face to one side and a tiny fragment to the other, the latter being part of the open edge and is 'crimped' shut with the former (to contain the holy water inside). Stumps remain on either side where the lug handles would have projected.
Thin raised ribs define the scallop decoration as that of Spencer's type II. To the opposite face the bevelled edges are decorated with numerous regular incised diagonal lines.

Ampullae are known from the late 12th century and were replaced by the popularity of pilgrim badges in the early 14th century, but are thought to have continued in use to the end of the 15^th century. Spencer writes (1990, pp.60-61) that ampullae bearing the crowner letter W have been tentatively associated with the cult of Our Lady of Walsingham (Norfolk). The crown can be accepted as the emblem of the Virgin as Queen of Heaven, and while there is a good case for regarding the W as standing for Walsingham, the letter may also have had a more general meaning as a double V (Virgo Virginum) and M for Maria when inverted.