St Cross Hospital ampulla

This pilgrim’s ampulla is a close copy of one found on the grounds of the St Cross Hospital and Almshouse of Noble Poverty in Winchester, by the 2013 Winchester Archaeology and Local History group excavation of what are thought to be the 13thC foundations of the hospital. It is possible it is a later period deposit.

 The original is folded in half, with only the Cross side showing, so the other side is pure conjecture, however the Scallop is the universal medieval symbol of pilgrimage, so I’ve used it for the reverse side.

Pilgrims would fill their ampulla with holy water from a pilgrimage site, and then use the water as a magic potion to cure their ills in time of need.