Medieval Ampulla

[celticspikey]

One of my fields was to wet to plant the crop last year, consequently it was left. A couple of weeks ago I noticed it had been sprayed off and now cultivated which has given me some early and unexpected searching. It is around 60 acres and has a medieval track around two sides, and also an early medieval scheduled site adjacent. Although there is no sign of habitation within the field it does produce some nice finds, this medieval pilgrim ampulla came up on a detecting session recently along the side the track. Many years ago I found one of these but stupidly sold it, so this one will stay with me as its been on my list for a long time.    For those of you unaware they held holy water and were associated with pilgrimage to holy sites and the like.

[Val Beechey]

Lucky, lucky you. That’s one thing I really want to find. Even luckier is it’s in reasonable condition and even got both handles. Can’t figure out what the pattern is s’posed to represent, any ideas?
I believe the holy water was used to bless the field so the crops would be strong and healthy, also used to bless the home.
There’s a holy well on the farm I’ve got permission on but it’s the other side of a fence and the only other way to it is along a very, very long and unused foot path. I had a look the last time I went and it didn’t look as if anyone had used it this year.
Very well done Paul. It’ll wash up nicely and be a stunner in your display cabinet.

[probono]

Another nice find - certainly on my list of things to find too - I'm hoping that on my new permission when they've taken the crops in I might find some similar things - there's a medieval hollow way running across one of the fields which should hold some promise I hope!