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AMPULLA
Unique ID: SOM-761DA2
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
Incomplete Medieval cast lead-alloy flask shaped ampulla (pilgrim souvenir). It has a sub-circular body, with a trapezoid neck extending from one end. There are stubs of small handles on each side at the juction of the body and neck. Originally hollow inside, both faces have now been crushed together. One side of the neck is damaged with about a half to a third torn away with an irregular break, possibly from tearing it open to use the holy water held within. The tear extends down into the body on one side. The remaining part of the upper edge of the neck appears to be open. The metal is greyish-white in colour and slightly pitted with some new areas of damage showing as grey. Both faces appeoar to be plain althoguh one is bent inwards more and may have had a shallow central design, obscured by damage. It is now 51.7mm long, 30.8mm wide and 5.8mm thick; it weighs 33.02 g.
Spencer (1998: 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 momento.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1150
Date to: Circa AD 1350
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 51.7 mm
Width: 30.8 mm
Thickness: 5.8 mm
Weight: 33.02 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Tuesday 1st November 2011
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: SCC reciept 20895
Materials and construction
Primary material: Lead Alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Spatial metadata
Region: South West (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Somerset (County)
District: South Somerset (District)
To be known as: Ilchester
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spencer, B. | 1998 | Medieval finds from excavations in London: 7, Pilgrim souvenirs and secular badges | London | Museum of London, The Stationary Office | 3 |
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Timeline of associated dates
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