This is a medieval ampulla, probably dating to c.1350-1500, that was recently found near Titchmarch in Northamptonshire. It is made of lead and has a bulbous body that tapers into an inverted trapezoidal upper portion with an integrated handle on both sides – although one of these has since been lost.
Although the upper portion of the ampulla is plain, the body is highly decorated, with one side featuring a bifoliate crown with a hatched background and traces of a smaller crown below it. The reserve side has a large letter ‘R’ with another bifoliate crown above it. This design does not appear to have been uncommon, with similar examples known from the period, including one found near Bassetlaw in Nottinghamshire in 2022 (search SWYOR-A511B5 on the PAS database) and another found almost a decade ago near Forest Heath in Suffolk (SF-A62822). There is currently debate over what the ‘R’ refers to, however, with one interpretation suggesting it stands for Richard Caistor of Norwich, Vicar of St Stephen’s Church, around whom a local cult emerged following his death in 1420. Alternatively, it could stand for ‘Regina’, referring to Mary, Queen of Heaven.
Ampullae like this usually contained holy water and frequently served as souvenirs from pilgrimages. They are often found unconnected with religious sites, however, most frequently in rural areas. It has been suggested that this might be because they were either buried in fields to protect crops and livestock, or were discarded after use in ceremonies to bless the land.
