The British Museum has successfully completed a fundraising campaign to acquire a remarkable piece of Tudor history: a heart-shaped pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and gifted to him by his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. The museum announced today, , that it has reached its £3.5 million target, securing the artifact and preventing it from entering a private collection.
The pendant, dubbed the “Tudor Heart,” was discovered in Warwickshire in 2019 by a metal detectorist. Its significance lies not only in its intrinsic value as a 16th-century gold artifact, but also in what it represents: a rare surviving object directly linked to one of the most famous and tumultuous relationships in English history. The acquisition comes after a public appeal launched in October, which garnered over £350,000 in contributions from individuals, alongside substantial grants from organizations dedicated to preserving national heritage.
The campaign’s success is a testament to the enduring public fascination with the Tudor period and the complex personalities that defined it. More than 45,000 members of the public contributed to the effort, demonstrating a widespread desire to see this piece of history accessible to all. Major philanthropic contributions included £1.75 million from The National Heritage Memorial Fund, £500,000 from The Julia Rausing Trust, £400,000 from the Art Fund, and £300,000 from The American Friends of the British Museum.
Research conducted by the British Museum suggests the 24-carat gold pendant was likely created to commemorate the betrothal of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon’s daughter, Princess Mary, to the French heir apparent in October 1518. This event was a significant diplomatic maneuver, and Henry VIII frequently commissioned London goldsmiths to create elaborate jewelry for such occasions. However, surviving artifacts directly associated with the early years of Henry and Catherine’s marriage are exceptionally rare, making the Tudor Heart particularly valuable.
The pendant’s survival is remarkable given the dramatic shift in Henry VIII’s marital fortunes. Catherine of Aragon, initially his beloved queen, was later cast aside in his pursuit of a male heir, leading to the English Reformation and a period of profound religious and political upheaval. The pendant, represents a moment of hope and promise in a relationship that ultimately ended in heartbreak and religious schism. As The Telegraph notes, the artifact offers “proof that Henry lost his heart to his first wife.”
Nicholas Cullinan, director of the British Museum, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support the campaign received. “The success of the campaign shows the power of history to spark the imagination and why objects like the Tudor Heart should be in a museum,” he said. “This beautiful survivor tells us about a piece of English history few of us knew, but in which we can all now share.” Cullinan also announced plans for the pendant to tour the UK in the future, bringing this significant piece of history to a wider audience.
The acquisition process followed the standard procedure outlined in the Treasure Act 1996, which mandates that historical objects discovered in England be reported to the relevant authorities, giving museums and galleries the opportunity to acquire them. The Tudor Heart has been on display in the British Museum’s gallery two since the fundraising effort was announced and will remain there as the museum finalizes the formal addition of the pendant to its collection, expected later this year.
The story of the Tudor Heart is more than just the tale of a beautiful object; it’s a microcosm of the larger historical forces at play during the Tudor period. It speaks to the power of love, the fragility of relationships, and the enduring legacy of a king whose actions reshaped a nation. The British Museum’s successful acquisition ensures that this poignant symbol of a bygone era will be preserved for generations to come, offering a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in English history.
The acquisition also highlights the growing importance of metal detecting as a source of archaeological discoveries. While often viewed with skepticism, responsible metal detecting, conducted in accordance with legal requirements, can unearth invaluable artifacts that shed new light on the past. The discovery of the Tudor Heart serves as a compelling example of the potential for citizen science to contribute to our understanding of history.
As the British Museum prepares to formally welcome the Tudor Heart into its collection, anticipation is building for future research and exhibitions centered around this remarkable artifact. The pendant promises to be a focal point for scholarly investigation and public engagement, offering a unique window into the lives and loves of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon.
