Historic Tudor Pendant to stay in public collection

The British Museum has secured a rare Tudor-era gold pendant linked to King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, following a successful appeal to the public for support.

The British Museum launched an appeal in October to permanently acquire a gold pendant, described as one of the most ‘incredible’ pieces of English history ever unearthed.

The museum raised approximately £3.5 million ($AUD 5.8 million) to prevent the pendant's private acquisition. The total includes a £1.75 million ($AUD2.9 million) grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, and contributions from more than 45,000 donors.

Experts believe the pendant was commissioned for a 1518 tournament marking the betrothal of Henry VIII and Catherine's daughter, the future Queen Mary.

"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."
Nicholas Cullinan, British Museum

Nicholas Cullinan, director of the British Museum, said that the successful campaign highlights the importance of preserving significant objects in public collections.

"I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our campaign and to the National Heritage Memorial Fund for so generously donating," he said.

"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."

Discovered by a metal detectorist in Warwickshire in 2019, the Tudor Heart is crafted from 24-carat gold. The heart-shaped pendant, featuring intricate enamelwork, hangs from a 75-link gold chain and exemplifies early 16th-century goldsmithing.

One side features a red-and-white Tudor rose entwined with a pomegranate bush, Catherine of Aragon's emblem. The reverse bears the red initials H and K bound with white thread. Both sides carry a gold banner inscribed 'tousiors' – an Old French variant of 'always'.