Will the British Museum Preserve the Henry VIII Pendant?

The British Museum has successfully raised £3.5 million to acquire the Tudor Heart, a gold pendant linked to King Henry VIII's marriage to his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. This pendant, discovered by a metal detectorist in Warwickshire in 2019, will now be permanently displayed, enriching the museum's collection of Tudor artefacts.

Last updated: 24 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The British Museum has confirmed the successful completion of its fundraising campaign to acquire the Tudor Heart pendant. Launched in October 2023, the appeal aimed to raise £3.5 million to secure the artefact for permanent display. The campaign has garnered significant public support, with over 45,000 individuals contributing, alongside generous donations from various trusts and organisations. The museum is now preparing to include the pendant in its collection later this year and is planning a UK tour to share this historical treasure with a wider audience.

Key takeaways

• The British Museum raised £3.5 million to acquire the Tudor Heart pendant.
• More than 45,000 public donations contributed to the fundraising efforts.
• The pendant is linked to King Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to secure the Tudor Heart pendant began with its discovery in Warwickshire in 2019. The following key milestones highlight the timeline leading up to the successful fundraising:

• 2019: The Tudor Heart pendant is discovered by a metal detectorist.
• October 2023: The British Museum launches a public fundraising appeal to raise £3.5 million.
• October 2023: The museum announces it has reached its fundraising goal.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The British Museum has confirmed the successful completion of its fundraising campaign, with the acquisition of the Tudor Heart now assured. The museum’s director, Nicholas Cullinan, expressed gratitude for public support, highlighting the pendant's significance in English history.

What was already established

Prior to the fundraising success, it was already known that the Tudor Heart pendant was a significant artefact, combining symbols of the Tudor rose and Katherine of Aragon’s pomegranate. The pendant is believed to commemorate the betrothal of Princess Mary to a French heir in 1518.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The acquisition of the Tudor Heart enhances the cultural heritage available for public consumption, potentially increasing visitor numbers to the British Museum and thereby benefiting local economies. The pendant offers a tangible connection to Tudor history that many in the UK may find educational and inspiring.

Businesses and jobs

The fundraising campaign and the subsequent acquisition may create opportunities for businesses linked to tourism, such as local hotels, restaurants, and shops. Additionally, the UK tour of the pendant could generate temporary jobs related to exhibition logistics and event management.

Policy and regulation

The British Museum operates under the Treasure Act 1996, which allows museums to acquire artefacts deemed treasure. The successful fundraising highlights the importance of cultural heritage preservation and the role of public engagement in supporting such initiatives.

Numbers that matter

• £3.5 million: Total raised by the British Museum to acquire the Tudor Heart pendant.
• 45,000: Number of public contributors to the fundraising appeal.
• £1.75 million: Funding received from the National Heritage Memorial Fund.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Tudor Heart: A gold pendant associated with King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon.
• Treasure Act 1996: UK law that governs the reporting and acquisition of treasure finds.
• National Heritage Memorial Fund: A fund that aims to protect the UK's most important heritage assets.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The British Museum is expected to formally acquire the Tudor Heart pendant and begin preparations for its public display. This will likely involve conservation work and the design of an exhibition space.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the coming months, the museum plans to announce the details of the UK tour for the Tudor Heart, which will allow audiences across the country to engage with this significant piece of history.

Signals to watch

• Upcoming announcements regarding the exhibition and tour dates.
• Public engagement metrics, such as visitor numbers to the museum following the pendant’s display.

Practical guidance

Do

• Visit the British Museum to see the Tudor Heart once it is on display.
• Engage with local heritage initiatives that promote historical artefacts.

Don’t

• Neglect the opportunity to learn about the Tudor period and its significance in British history.
• Overlook similar fundraising campaigns for other historical artefacts.

Checklist

• Check the British Museum’s website for updates on the Tudor Heart display.
• Explore educational resources related to Tudor history.
• Support local museums and historical sites in your area.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the successful acquisition of the Tudor Heart is a positive outcome, there are ongoing uncertainties regarding the preservation of historical artefacts in general. The financial sustainability of similar fundraising campaigns in the future may also be challenged by economic factors. Additionally, the exact impact of the Tudor Heart’s display on public interest and engagement remains to be seen.

Bottom line

The British Museum's successful fundraising to acquire the Tudor Heart pendant marks a significant moment in preserving Tudor history. This artefact not only enhances the museum's collection but also serves as a reminder of the importance of public engagement in cultural heritage preservation. As the museum prepares for its display and potential tour, it highlights a renewed interest in the narratives surrounding King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon.

FAQs

What is the Tudor Heart pendant?

The Tudor Heart pendant is a gold artefact linked to King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, symbolising their marriage and historical significance in Tudor England.

How was the Tudor Heart pendant discovered?

The pendant was discovered by a metal detectorist in a Warwickshire field in 2019 and was reported under the Treasure Act 1996.

What will happen to the Tudor Heart now?

Now that funding has been secured, the British Museum plans to include the Tudor Heart in its collection and will put it on public display later this year.