British Museum to keep pendant linked to Henry VIII
The British Museum has successfully raised the £3.5 million required to acquire the "Tudor Heart," a rare 24-carat gold pendant linked to the marriage of King Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
The campaign reached its target just in time for Valentine's Day 2026, following a four-month public appeal that launched in October 2025. The pendant, found with its original 75-link gold chain and a hand-shaped suspension clasp, is considered one of the most significant Tudor finds in decades.
The Fundraising Success 💰
The campaign saw an extraordinary level of engagement from both the public and major philanthropic organizations:
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Public Support: Over 45,000 individuals donated a combined £380,000 (roughly 10% of the total goal).
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Major Grants: The National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) secured the acquisition with a massive £1.75 million award, celebrating its 45th anniversary.
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Philanthropic Gifts: The Julia Rausing Trust contributed £500,000, the Art Fund provided £400,000, and the American Friends of the British Museum donated £300,000.
A Rare Glimpse into the Early Tudor Court
The pendant is historically unique because very few artifacts from Henry VIII's 24-year marriage to Katherine survived the subsequent annulment and the English Reformation.
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Discovery: Amateur metal detectorist Charlie Clarke unearthed the treasure in a Warwickshire field in 2019. He was digging at "elbow depth" on a friend's land when he found the gleaming gold.
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Design & Symbolism: The front features the Tudor Rose entwined with a pomegranate bush (Katherine's personal emblem representing her Spanish heritage and fertility). It bears a banner with the Old French word "tousiors" (always). The reverse is inscribed with the initials "H" and "K" bound by white thread.
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The Occasion: Researchers believe the piece was "costume jewelry" commissioned for a grand tournament in October 1518. This event celebrated the betrothal of their infant daughter, Princess Mary (later Mary I), to the French Dauphin.
What Happens Next?
The pendant is currently on display in Room 2 (Collecting the World) at the British Museum. Now that the funds are secured, the museum will formally add it to the permanent collection and pay the reward to both the finder and the landowner. Plans are also underway for a national UK tour, which will include a stop in Warwickshire, near the original find site.
