About this object
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ID:
TL74[2532]<1671>
Production date:
Early Medieval; mid 13th century
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Location:
In Store
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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
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Measurements
H 96 mm; W 88 mm; T 3 mm (overall)
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Materials
lead alloy
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Last Updated
2024-03-14
Record quality:
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