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AMPULLA
Unique ID: SWYOR-193C88
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
An incomplete Medieval lead ampulla, probably dating from about AD 1350-1530. The ampulla has a rounded base and a slightly narrower, trapezoid, neck, expanding slightly in width at the top. One angular suspension loop or handle survives. One face of the ampulla is missing. The breaks are patinated. There is one surviving moulded border line on the broken face, but the other face is plain, so the design cannot be identified.
The ampulla measures 47.3mm long, 24.9mm wide and 8.2mm thick. 30.07g. It has a cream coloured patina.
SOM-70D48B notes that "Ampullae were designed to contain a draught of relic water, to be taken as cures or worn by suspension through the loops as a talisman (Spencer, 1998: 203). Spencer (1990: 58) notes that ampulla saw widespread use as pilgrim souvenirs from the 13th century, although the majority of those to survive are the robust vessels made in the late medieval period such as this example."
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1350
Date to: Circa AD 1530
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 47.3 mm
Width: 24.9 mm
Thickness: 8.2 mm
Weight: 30.07 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 8th April 2017 - Saturday 8th April 2017
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: PAS form number 2958
Materials and construction
Primary material: Lead
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Spatial metadata
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber (European Region)County or Unitary authority: North Yorkshire (County)
District: Harrogate (District)
Parish or ward: Hunsingore (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SE4353
Four figure Latitude: 53.97129
Four figure longitude: -1.34596214
1:25K map: SE4353
1:10K map: SE45SW
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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