The 24ct gold heart-shaped pendant.
Image copyright: The Trustees Of The British Museum
The 24ct gold heart-shaped pendant, a rare survivor relating to Henry VIII's marriage to Katherine of Aragon, was reported under the Treasure Act and assessed by the Portable Antiquities Scheme run by the British Museum. PAS gives museums and galleries in the UK a chance to purchase items for their market value.
Following research by the British Museum it is believed the pendant may have been created for a tournament held in October 1518 to mark the betrothal of Henry and Katherine’s daughter, Princess Mary, to the French heir apparent.
The museum has now launched a fundraising appeal to purchase it. The £3.5m price tag was ascertained following valuations via the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS).
The museum has until April next year to raise the funds.
The campaign has been kick-started by a donation of £500,000 from The Julia Rausing Trust and a funding page is now on the British Museum's website.
A close up of the Tudor heart pendant showing the French motto Toujours, meaning always.
Image copyright: The Trustees Of The British Museum
The heart-shaped locket has enamelled motifs and is attached to a 75-link gold chain by a suspension clasp in the form of a hand emerging from a cloud. The front of the pendant is decorated with a white and red Tudor rose entwined with a pomegranate bush.
The pomegranate was the personal emblem of Queen Katherine, representing fertility and her Spanish homeland. The hidden face is decorated with the initials 'H' and 'K' united by a tasselled cord. Both sides carry the French motto Toujours, meaning always.
The British Museum said Henry VIII “frequently commissioned London goldsmiths to create jewellery for major celebrations and state occasions which were worn briefly by members of the court to create the impression of great splendour”. It is believed that this is one such example.
The museum said the pendant is “unlike any object in the British Museum collection or elsewhere in the UK”.
The pendant is on loan to be displayed at the British Museum until April 2026.
Both sides of the heart shaped pendant.
Image copyright: The Trustees Of The British Museum
Henry and Katherine's marriage, lasting 24 years, was the longest of Henry's life and shaped the early Tudor court with Katherine as a trusted partner of Henry, sometimes acting as Regent in his times of absence.
Almost no other objects survive that celebrate Henry and Katherine's relationship, most having been lost over time. The Tudor Heart therefore acts as an important historical witness, showing both the luxury of Henry VIII's earlier reign and the strength of their union before it was ultimately annulled in 1533.
Dr Rachel King, curator of Renaissance Europe and the Waddesdon Bequest, said: "The object gives a tangible view on one of the most significant marriages of the Tudor dynasty. The Tudor Heart offers new insights into the splendour of the court of Henry VIII and tells the often-forgotten stories of Katherine and Princess Mary.”
Simon Fourmy, chief executive of The Julia Rausing Trust, said: "We are delighted to support the British Museum in acquiring the Tudor Heart for the nation. This remarkable pendant sheds light on a defining royal marriage and enriches our understanding of the Tudor world.”
