A lost gold pendant from the marriage of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon was found in 2019 and is now part of the British Museum's collection after a significant public fundraising effort.
A historically significant gold pendant, believed to be the only surviving jewel from the marriage of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, resurfaced after being lost in England for centuries. Found in 2019 by a metal detectorist in a Warwickshire field, this heart-shaped ornament made from 24-carat gold features the word 'tousiors' in Old French, the initials of the couple, a garnet symbolizing the queen, and the Tudor rose emblem of the English dynasty. Its discovery is not just a treasure hunt story; it embodies centuries of royal history and personal narratives of love and power.
After its discovery, there was a significant public outcry and numerous donations aimed at keeping the pendant from being sold to a private collector. These efforts reflected the community’s desire to preserve the historical artifact for public enjoyment and education. The funds successfully secured a deal, and now the pendant is part of the British Museum’s collection, where it can be appreciated as a pivotal piece of royal history.
The sale and subsequent preservation of the pendant highlight ongoing debates about the ownership of historical artifacts, their significance in public history, and the role of public funding in the preservation of cultural heritage. This event not only brings to light the pendant's rich background but also raises questions about how to manage and protect similar historical treasures in the future.
