On October 14, the British Museum has launched a major campaign to save the ‘Tudor Heart’, a spectacular gold pendant linked to Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon, by acquiring it permanently for the nation.

Discovered in 2019 by a metal detectorist, the Museum has the opportunity to purchase the Heart to stop it entering a private collection. It hopes to raise £3.5m by April 2026 and calls for public support to achieve this goal and help ensure it remains on view for generations to come.

The dazzling heart-shaped 24-carat-gold pendant offers a rare glimpse into Henry VIII’s marriage to Katherine of Aragon, uniting the Tudor rose with Katherine’s pomegranate symbol. Beneath, a banner reads tousiors, the old French for ‘always’, a poignant declaration of an eternal connection. Their 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.

Research by the British Museum suggests the pendant may have been created for a tournament held in October 1518 to mark the betrothal of their daughter, Princess Mary, to the French heir apparent. Henry frequently commissioned London goldsmiths to create ‘costume’ jewellery for major celebrations and state occasions which were worn briefly by members of the court to create the impression of great splendour.

The campaign has been kick-started by a donation of £500,000 from The Julia Rausing Trust, bringing the goal of acquiring the pendant closer.

Unearthed in a field in Warwickshire, the Heart was discovered and subsequently reported under the Treasure Act 1996. Under the act, finders are obligated to report all finds of potential treasure and are rewarded for their contributions to the telling of history. The vital scheme, run by the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), gives museums and galleries in England an avenue to protect history and ensure museums have the opportunity to acquire unique and significant objects to put on public display.

Dr Nicholas Cullinan OBE, Director of the British Museum, said: ‘The Tudor Heart is perhaps one of the most incredible pieces of English history to have ever been unearthed. Support will ensure that this unique and beautiful treasure is secured for the nation, so that it can be enjoyed by and inspire generations to come.’

Dr Rachel King, Curator of Renaissance Europe and the Waddesdon Bequest, said: ‘The object speaks to a significant moment in English royal history, giving 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.’

Actor Damian Lewis, said: ‘The Tudor Heart is a beautiful piece of our history, shedding a light onto the court of Henry not previously seen. Your support will help the British Museum save this piece for the nation and ensures our history remains on view for generations to come, not hidden away in a private collection.’

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. We hope others will be as inspired by this extraordinary object as we were, and will join us in giving generously to ensure this treasure remains on view for many years to come.’

The Tudor Heart will also be on view in Room 2: Collecting the world until April 2026. The public campaign is now live and open for donations: britishmuseum.org/tudor-heart-appeal