British Museum Triumphs in £3.5 Million Fundraising Campaign for Tudor Heart Pendant
The British Museum has successfully concluded a four-month fundraising campaign, raising £3.5 million to acquire a rare 24-carat gold Tudor Heart pendant. This historic artefact, lost for centuries, will soon be placed on permanent display at the museum, marking a significant addition to its collection.
Discovery and Historical Significance
The pendant was discovered by a metal detectorist in a field in Warwickshire in 2019, after being missing for hundreds of years. Under British treasure laws, museums across the country had the opportunity to acquire this important historical find. The Tudor Heart is considered crucial due to its direct ties to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Believed to have been commissioned for a 1518 tournament, the pendant unites the Tudor rose with Katherine’s pomegranate symbol and features the Old French word “tousiors” (always). This design highlights the personal and political connections of the Tudor era, making it a unique piece of British heritage.
Fundraising and Future Plans
The museum launched an appeal in October 2025, expressing keen interest in saving the Tudor Heart. The successful campaign, which concluded in February 2026, ensured the artefact’s preservation for public viewing. Since the fundraising announcement, the pendant has been on temporary display at the British Museum.
It will be formally added to the museum’s permanent collection later this year, with plans for a future UK tour to allow wider public access. This initiative underscores the museum’s commitment to safeguarding and sharing historical treasures with the nation.
The acquisition process involved collaboration with various stakeholders, adhering to legal frameworks for cultural artefacts. The Tudor Heart’s journey from a Warwickshire field to a prominent museum showcases the ongoing efforts to protect and celebrate Britain’s rich historical legacy.
