The British Museum has acquired a golden heart pendant linked to the union of King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon after raising £3.5 million to prevent its sale to a private collector.
The British Museum has successfully acquired a significant historical artifact—a 24-carat gold heart pendant that symbolizes the tumultuous marriage between King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. This acquisition was made possible by the museum's fundraising efforts, which totaled £3.5 million, ensuring that the pendant would not be sold to a private collector. The pendant features the initials of the royal couple in red, as well as depictions of the Tudor rose and a pomegranate, marking it as a poignant reminder of their union that ended in divorce in 1533.
The pendant has a remarkable history; it was lost for centuries before being rediscovered in 2019 by a treasure hunter using a metal detector in a field in Warwickshire. Under UK treasure laws, significant historical finds must be offered to museums before they can be sold on the market, giving institutions like the British Museum the opportunity to acquire such treasures. The successful fundraising highlights the importance of preserving historical artifacts that offer insight into the past and royal history.
The acquisition of the pendant is not just a victory for the museum but also for the public, as it will be displayed permanently, enriching the cultural significance of the British Museum's collection. This event underscores the ongoing efforts of museums to protect and curate valuable pieces of history, ensuring that future generations have access to insights about their cultural heritage.
