NHER 68172 (Find Spot) - Early Saxon ampulla or pilgrim flask

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Summary

In the 1970s an Early Saxon ceramic ampulla or pilgrim flask was found at this location. This is associated with the cult of St Menas and is a rare find - being one of only 11 known examples in England.

Protected Status/Designation

None recorded

Location

Map sheet	TF91SE
Civil Parish	DEREHAM, BRECKLAND, NORFOLK

Full Description

1970-1973. Stray Find. [1].
Early Saxon ceramic St Menas ampulla or pilgrim flask.
St Menas was either Phrygian or Egyptian and probably martyred under the emperor Diocletian at the end of the 3rd or the beginning of the 4th century, with his cult growing rapidly after the adoption of Christianity under Constantine. This ampulla was almost certainly made near Alexandria and appears to be one of only 11 recorded examples in England (all unstratified chance finds). Exactly when and how it arrived here is uncertain.
Information from PAS import.
P. Watkins (HES), 29 May 2025.

Associated Sources (0)

Site and Feature Types and Periods (1)

FINDSPOT (Early Saxon - 410 AD to 650 AD)

Object Types (1)

AMPULLA (Early Saxon - 500 AD to 650 AD)

Related NHER Records (0)

Record last edited

Jul 5 2025 10:25PM