The British Museum successfully raised £3.5 million to acquire a gold pendant linked to Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, saving it from entering private hands.
The British Museum has announced that it has successfully raised £3.5 million to acquire a gold pendant believed to be linked to Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. This 16th-century heart-shaped artefact, known as the Tudor Heart, was discovered in Warwickshire in 2019 by a metal detectorist and was at risk of being sold to a private collector. To secure the pendant for public display, the museum launched a fundraising appeal in October 2025, emphasizing the importance of preserving culturally significant items for future generations.
The remarkable effort garnered support from over 45,000 individuals, contributing more than £350,000 in total donations. In addition to public contributions, significant funds came from various grants and organizations, notably a substantial £1.75 million from The National Heritage Memorial Fund. The response reflects a strong public interest in preserving the UK's rich history, and the museum highlighted the collective effort as an example of community engagement in heritage conservation.
The acquisition not only secures a valuable artefact for the British Museum but also serves as a reminder of the importance of heritage protection in a time when many historic items risk being lost to private collections. The successful campaign underscores the cultural value attributed to historical pieces, fostering a deeper connection between the public and their history, while also inspiring similar initiatives for other important artefacts in the future.
