Pilgrim’s lead ampulla (13th-16th century)
Ampullae are small flat lead containers that held holy water or oil from religious sites visited by pilgrims in medieval times. It was believed that holy water had special qualities, such as giving protection to pilgrims on their way home. They were used to bring healing to people and to livestock, and they may have been used to bless the land on farms to improve crop yields.
They could be seen as early tourist souvenirs, as they were usually worn on a cord around the neck or sewn on clothing as proof of the successful pilgrimage.
This ampulla is on display in Cabinet B in the main gallery. It was part of a hoard of small medieval items discovered at a building site in Shabbington.
Other examples from Shabbington:
15th-16th century copper alloy cross
