British Museum Seeks £3.5M to Acquire Henry VIII's 'Tudor Heart' Pendant

The 'Tudor Heart' Pendant

• 💎 A gold pendant, known as the 'Tudor Heart', was discovered by a metal detectorist in Warwickshire six years ago.
• 👑 The pendant features Tudor roses and a pomegranate bush, symbols associated with King Henry VIII's first wife, Catherine of Aragon.
• 🔗 The piece consists of a 75-link curb chain, a hand-shaped clasp, and a heart-shaped pendant inscribed with the old French word for 'always'.
• 📜 It is considered the only surviving complex piece of Tudor jewelry from the early reign of Henry VIII, and indeed the only surviving piece of Tudor jewelry from his reign at all.

Historical Significance and Mystery

• ❓ The exact original owner and how the pendant ended up buried remain a mystery.
• 💖 Curators believe the pendant tells a deeply human story beyond its aesthetic value, highlighting the relationship between Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon.
• 🗣️ The object offers a way to tell Catherine's story as a queen, person, and mother, which is difficult due to the destruction or concealment of such items after their enulment.

Acquisition Campaign

• 🏛️ Under British law, museums can acquire archaeological discoveries if they can raise the necessary funds.
• 🎯 The British Museum is aiming to raise £3.5 million to purchase the 'Tudor Heart' pendant.
• 💰 The museum has already secured a donation of £500,000, with £3 million still needed to complete the acquisition.