The British Museum has successfully secured a gold pendant associated with King Henry VIII’s marriage to his first wife, Katherine of Aragon, after raising £3.5 million through a fundraising campaign.
Launched in October, the appeal aimed to permanently acquire the Tudor Heart, which was discovered by a metal detectorist in a Warwickshire field in 2019. The museum announced that it has met its fundraising target, thanks to £360,000 in public contributions along with various donations from grants, trusts, and arts organizations.
Significance of the Tudor Heart Pendant
Museum director Nicholas Cullinan remarked, „The success of the campaign demonstrates the ability of history to ignite the imagination and underscores the importance of objects like the Tudor Heart being housed in a museum.“ The pendant features the letters ‚H‘ and ‚K‘, believed to represent Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon.
Research conducted by the museum indicates that the pendant may have been crafted to commemorate the betrothal of their two-year-old daughter, Princess Mary, to the eight-month-old heir to the French throne in 1518. The pendant combines the Tudor rose with Katherine’s pomegranate symbol and includes a banner inscribed with the word „tousiors,“ an old French term meaning „always.“
Acquisition Process and Public Support
Upon its discovery, the pendant was reported under the Treasure Act 1996, which allows museums and galleries in England the opportunity to acquire significant historical artifacts for public display. To secure the pendant, the museum was required to compensate the metal detectorist who found it, as well as the landowner.
The British Museum expressed a strong desire to retain the Tudor Heart, citing the rarity of surviving artifacts related to Henry VIII’s marriage to Katherine of Aragon. Since the fundraising campaign began, over 45,000 individuals have contributed, helping to raise just over 10% of the £3.5 million goal. Additionally, the museum received £1.75 million from The National Heritage Memorial Fund, which aims to preserve the UK’s most significant at-risk heritage treasures.
Cullinan extended his gratitude to all supporters of the campaign, stating, „The fact that 45,000 members of the public have rallied to support this initiative highlights the enthusiasm for this unique object. This is a crucial part of our history, and very few artifacts related to Katherine of Aragon and Henry VIII have survived.“
Future Plans for the Pendant
Simon Thurley, chairman of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, noted, „The Tudor Heart provides an extraordinary glimpse into the culture of Henry VIII’s court, and I am pleased that our support will allow it to be displayed to the public.“ The museum plans to formally incorporate the pendant into its collection later this year and has intentions for it to tour various locations across the UK in the future.
Bildquelle: Bildquelle: Ralf Knüfer auf Unsplash
