Ampulla, used at Scottish coronation of Charles I, at Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh

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An ampulla is a container used in churches for holy oil or consecrated wine. This gold example was used to hold the sacred anointing oil at the Scottish coronation of Charles I on 18 June 1633 at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. It was carried at the ceremony by Sir James Balfour.

The Latin inscription states the occasion and use for which the ampulla was created. Incised on the screw-on-lid and foot-ring is a crude egg-and-tongue pattern. There is no maker's mark.

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• Online ID: 000-100-000-475-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.KJ 164
• Date: 1633
  
• Material: Gold. Inscription: AMPULLA AUREA SACRI olei Receptaculum que CARolus eius nominis primus Scotiae Angliae Fran : et Hib : Rex Edinburgi in Ecclesia S : crusis unctus fuit Iunii XVIII 1633
  Ampulla
  
• Dimensions: 127 mm H
  
• What: Ampulla
  
• Subject: Ecclesiastical, miscellaneous, vestments (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Charles I
  James Denniestoun (?) (Maker)
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh (Holyroodhouse)
  
• Event:
• Description: Coronation ampulla of gold which held the sacred anointing oil for the coronation of Charles I at Holyroodhouse on 18 June 1633, possibly made by James Denniestoun, deacon
  
• References:
  • Marshall, R. K. (ed). Dynasty: The Royal House of Stewart. Edinburgh: NGS & NMS, 1990 
• Translations:
• Related Records: