12th-15th century AD. A lead pilgrim's holy water ampulla with bulbous body and broad flared neck, one slender handle at the shoulder and the remains of a second; remains of a pattern to the body. 34.4 grams, 51mm (2"). Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Leicestershire, UK, by Robert Ward. Pilgrims' ampullae were popular from the later 12th century to the 14th century AD, when they began to be replaced by pilgrim badges. According to Spencer (1998: 39), ampullae were usually suspended on a chain or cord and worn around the neck, for the purpose of holding holy water, believed to offer protection against illness. The holy water was drunk, rubbed into the skin or sprinkled around a particular place, in an attempt to cure ailments; many ampullae have been recovered from fields where it is believed the contents were used to heal a failing crop (Leahy and Lewis, 2018:116"). [No Reserve] Condition Report Fair condition, one lug absent.