MEDIEVAL AMPULLA

1400

Medieval lead pilgrim's ampulla with a crowned W on one side and no image on the other. Both handles have been broken off. Spencer, B., p. 16: "The crown (or more often the crowned W) regularly appears on this sort of ampulla...and it may be intended as the emblem of Our Lady, the Queen of HEavenm or more specifically as the golden crown, the gift of Henry III, worn by the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham." Spencer, B., p. 16: "Like its prototype in Nazareth, the Holy House was associated with a well, the water from which was noted for its miraculous healing properties. There can be little doubt that Walsingham's pilgrims took away ampullae or miniature flasks containing this beneficial liquid."