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Description: | A cast lead ampulla of medieval date. The flask-shaped ampulla measures 53.9mm by 33.5mm by 11.9mm and weighs 61.6g. It has a slightly expanded neck and a small pointed suspension handle projecting from each side. On one face are the letters 'S.B', surrounded by moulded cross-hatching within a roundel. The other side is decorated with moulded vertical lines, in imitation of a scallop shell. Brian Spencer (pers. comm. to finder, 1988) suggested that 'S.B' might refer to Saint Bridget of Sweden, as her cult (based as Sion Abbey, Isleworth, Middlesex) was popular during the second half of the 15th century. Two other ampullae inscribed with 'S.B' have been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database (NMGW-A7E456 and NMGW-FAEA63). Both were discovered at Wenvoe, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. The form of the letters on both examples is similar to that used on the Westbury ampulla. The record for NMGW-FAEA63 refers to a third 'S.B' ampulla, also from Wenvoe, and the concentration in this particular location might suggest a local origin. Wenvoe is only a few miles north of Barry Island, where the 6th century Welsh saint St Baruc is said to have been buried, and where a chapel was dedicated to the saint. During his travels in the mid-16th century, John Leland noted that "much pilgrimage was usid" at St Baruc's chapel (L. Toulmin Smith, Leland's Itinerary in Wales, p. 24). It is possible therefore that 'S.B' refers to St Baruc. However pilgrim souvenirs are not known to have been made for Celtic saints (Geoff Egan, pers. comm.) so this must remain speculative.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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