SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 6-K

                        REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
                      Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
                      the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                        For the month of   December, 2001
                                          ----------------

                                  AMVESCAP PLC
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                (Translation of registrant's name into English)

                 11 DEVONSHIRE SQUARE, LONDON EC2M 4YR, ENGLAND
                -----------------------------------------------
                    (Address of principal executive offices)


[Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

                        Form 20-F _X_     Form 40-F ___


[Indicate by check mark whether registrant by furnishing the Information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                             Yes ___     No _X_


[If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant
in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-    N/A
                                      ------------


Description of document filed: AMVESCAP GLOBAL STOCK PLAN PURCHASED 170,000
                               --------------------------------------------
                               ORDINARY SHARES
                               ---------------



AMVESCAP PLC
488972
IMMEDIATE RELEASE  21 DECEMBER 2001
PLEASE CONFIRM RELEASE
ANGELA TULLY  TEL: 020 7454 3652





In accordance with Chapter 16.13 of the Listing Rules, notification is hereby
given that on the 20 December 2001 the Trustee of the AMVESCAP Global Stock
Plan ("the Plan") purchased 170,000 ordinary shares of AMVESCAP PLC at (pounds
sterling)9.952076. The Company was notified of the purchase on 20 December
2001.

Shares held by the Trust are used in connection with the AMVESCAP Global Stock
Plan, which is established to provide deferred share incentive arrangements to
selected employees of the AMVESCAP group of companies world-wide. The Directors
of the Company are deemed to be considered interested in all of the Shares held
by the Trustees.






21 DECEMBER 2001.


                                   SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                                AMVESCAP PLC
                                           -------------------------
                                                 (Registrant)

Date 21 December 2001                      By /s/ ANGELA TULLY
     --------------------                    -----------------------
                                                 (Signature)

                                              Angela Tully
                                              Assistant Company Secretary