British Museum Launches Campaign to Save Rare Henry VIII ‘Tudor Heart’ Pendant

The British Museum has officially launched a major fundraising campaign to acquire a stunning 24-carat gold pendant, dubbed the “Tudor Heart.” This rare artifact is directly linked to the marriage of King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon.

Discovered in Warwickshire in 2019, the jewel is currently at risk of being sold into a private collection if the necessary funds cannot be raised by April 2026.

A Unique Relic of the Tudor Era

According to researchers, the pendant is likely the only surviving object that explicitly celebrates the union between Henry VIII and his first wife. The design features the Tudor Rose—the symbol of the dynasty—intertwined with Catherine’s pomegranate emblem.

On the reverse, the pendant bears the inscription “tousiors,” an archaic French term meaning “always.” Experts believe the piece was commissioned for a jousting tournament held in October 1518 to mark the betrothal of the couple’s daughter, Princess Mary.

Given that Henry VIII later sought to annul this marriage—a decision that sparked the English Reformation and the historic break with the Catholic Church—this pendant serves as a powerful material witness to a moment that redefined the nation’s religious and political landscape.

Discovery and High-Stakes Valuation

Buried for over five centuries, the jewel was unearthed by a metal detectorist and promptly registered under the Treasure Act of 1996, legislation designed to give British museums the first option to acquire historical finds.

An independent valuation panel has set the market price at £3.5 million. This amount will be split equally between the detectorist who found it and the landowner.

British Museum Director Nicholas Cullinan confirmed that the piece will remain on display in the Medieval gallery until the April 2026 deadline.

“Securing this acquisition means preserving an extraordinary item of English heritage to inspire future generations,” Cullinan stated.

If the fundraising target is not met, the “Tudor Heart” will be returned to the finder and likely sold to a private collector.

The Race to Raise £3.5 Million

The institution has opened a public appeal for donations to meet the steep requirement. In addition to individual contributions, the museum is seeking support from major foundations and corporate sponsors. Reports indicate that the £3.5m price tag represents one of the highest valuations ever placed on an archaeological object found in British soil.

The museum argues that keeping the artifact in state ownership guarantees free public access and allows for further research into Renaissance goldsmithing techniques. Acquiring the piece would also prevent it from being exported, a loss historians argue would hinder public understanding of the Tudor period.

Symbolism and Educational Value

For art historians, the combination of the Tudor rose and the pomegranate reflects a deliberate political strategy to reinforce the legitimacy of the royal match before the court. The inscription “tousiors” suggests a vow of eternal love—a sentiment ironically contrasted by the tumultuous events that followed, leading to the couple’s separation and the birth of the Church of England.

The exhibition of the “Tudor Heart” has already attracted visitors eager to see the jewel, which stands out not only for its historical weight but also for its craftsmanship. Laboratory analysis confirms the gold is 24-carat purity, a rarity for jewelry intended for daily wear in the early 16th century.

The museum views the pendant as a unique educational tool for schools and universities, bridging the gap between art, politics, religion, and economics in pre-Reformation England. Cultural programs are currently being organized to explore these themes while the jewel remains on display.

While the fundraising continues, visitors can view the pendant in the Medieval and Renaissance gallery at the British Museum in London. Information on how to contribute to the campaign is available on the official website, britishmuseum.org.