The British Museum has successfully secured the £3.5 million required to acquire a unique Tudor Heart Pendant, ensuring the 24-carat gold treasure remains in the public domain for future generations.
The announcement comes just in time for Valentine’s Day, a fitting milestone for an object that symbolises the love between Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon. The pendant will now enter the Museum’s permanent collection, with immediate plans for display and a future national tour.
A Campaign Powered by Public Support
The fundraising campaign, launched last October, achieved its target through a blend of major grants and significant public support. The National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) provided a decisive £1.75 million award, marking its 45th anniversary as a fund of last resort for the UK’s most exceptional heritage.
However, the campaign also captured the public imagination. Over 45,000 individuals contributed a total of £380,000, representing more than 10% of the final figure. Additional major support came from the Julia Rausing Trust (£500,000), the Art Fund (£400,000), and the American Friends of the British Museum (£300,000).
Dr Nicholas Cullinan OBE, Director of the British Museum, commented on the collective effort:
“I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our campaign and to the National Heritage Memorial Fund for so generously awarding £1.75 million. 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.”
Unlocking the Story of the Tudor Heart Pendant
Discovered by a metal detectorist in Warwickshire in 2019, the pendant is described as a “beautiful survivor” of the early Tudor court. It features an enamelled Tudor rose and Katherine’s pomegranate symbol, accompanied by the inscription tousiors—Old French for “always.”
Research by the London museum suggests the piece may have been created around 1521 for a tournament marking the betrothal of Princess Mary. It stands as a rare testament to the 24-year marriage of Henry and Katherine, a period often overshadowed by the King’s later marital history.
Dr Rachel King, Curator of Renaissance Europe and the Waddesdon Bequest, highlighted the object’s significance:
“It has been a tremendous privilege to share the story of the Tudor Heart and its finding with the world… Thanks to the spectacular generosity of many, people will have the opportunity to enjoy the object forever and, I hope, unravel the mysteries of who wore it and why and how it came to be buried.”
Future Display and Access
In line with the industry’s focus on accessibility, the British Museum has confirmed that the Tudor Heart Pendant will remain on view in Room 2: Collecting the World. To ensure the object reaches a wider audience, plans are underway for a national tour, which will include a return to Warwickshire near its discovery site.
Simon Thurley, Chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, added:
“The Tudor Heart is an extraordinary insight into the culture of Henry VIII’s court, and I am delighted that Memorial Fund support will enable it to go on public display, where people can enjoy it and learn what it tells us about this fascinating period in our history.”
The acquisition was facilitated through the Treasure Act 1996 and the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), which manages the recording of archaeological finds by the public.
Photos: The Trustees of the British Museum
