Holy Rood of Bromholm

Ampulla from the shrine of the Holy Rood at Bromholm in Norfolk. The Cluniac priory of Bromholm became a popular pilgrimage destination after it acquired a miracle-working fragment of the True Cross (the cross on which Christ was crucified) in about 1220.This ampulla has an indented outline which probably reflects the shape of the Bromholm’s relic. It is decorated with an image of the crucified Christ on the front, with an inscription above his head: ‘IESVS NA/SARENVS’. On the reverse is a patriarchal cross (a cross with two crossbars) coming out from an acanthus plant, which is the symbol of Christ’s ascension to Heaven. The word ‘RA/DI/X’ (‘root’) is spelt out between the cross and the plant. There is a nail hole through the centre of the ampulla, suggesting that it had been nailed up as an amulet once the owner had returned home from their pilgrimage.

Ampullae were small bottles that contained water that been associated with saintly relics – sometimes relics were dipped into the water to transfer some of their power. This water was thought to have powerful properties such as the ability to cure diseases and so ampullae were popular pilgrim souvenirs. There are lug handles at the base of the neck so the ampulla could be worn on string round the neck or hung up at home to be used when needed.