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About this object

  • ID:

    TL74[2532]<1671>

  • Production date:

    Early Medieval; mid 13th century

  • Location:

    In Store

  • Ampulla from the shrine of St Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. This ampulla has an openwork penannular frame decorated with the words 'O[P]TIMVS EGRORVM MEDICVS FIT TOMA BONOR[VM]' ('Thomas is the best doctor of the worthy sick'). The frame is connected to the ampulla by fleurs-de-lys-like foliage. The vessel itself is decorated with the figure of St Thomas Becket, wearing his archbishop’s vestments, on one side with his cross-staff projecting from the surface. On the back is the scene of his martyrdom. A knight stands on the left, striking Becket’s head with his sword. Becket stands on the right with his head bowed. Behind him stands Edward Grim (a clerk) holding a cross staff. There is a small altar between Becket and the knight, probably representing the Altar of the Sword Point which was placed on the site of Becket’s murder in the cathedral.  < ...Read more

  • Measurements

    H 96 mm; W 88 mm; T 3 mm (overall)

  • Materials

    lead alloy

  • Last Updated

    2024-03-14

FURTHER INFORMATION
  • NUMBER OF ITEMS

    1

  • STATUS

    archaeological archive

  • COPYRIGHT HOLDER

    digital image copyright Museum of London

  • Related Group

    Medieval pilgrim souvenirs

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