Pewter ampulla, holy water bottle, with moulded decoration of St. Peter sitting on a throne. St. Peter is shown holding a cross in his right hand and a key on his left. Around him is an inscription. This is a rare example of an ampulla of St Edward the Confessor. Edward reigned as King of England from 1042-66 and was known for his piety and good works. He was canonised in 1161. This ampulla is rather rough and may be a waster. One side depicts St Edward enthroned, holding a cross and a flowered sceptre and with a large crown above. The surrounding inscription is worn and largely illegible: '+QVOS[... S' EDWA[.… The other side depicts St Peter, patron saint of Westminster Abbey, holding a cross and the keys of heaven. Here the inscription reads: '+ LAN[..]A : CVM : CLAVIS : ET : CRVX : EST : CELICA : CLAV[.]S

1200 AD - 1300 AD

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