The British Museum has launched a fund-raising campaign to acquire the unique gold and enamel heart-shaped pendant commemorating the marriage of Henry VIII to his first wife Katherine of Aragon discovered by a metal detectorist in 2019. The cost is £3.5 million ($4.7 million) and needs to raised by April 2026 in order to keep the pendant from entering a private collection.
The pendant is made of 24K gold and is a locket enameled in red and white with an entwined Tudor rose and pomegranate, emblem of Katherine of Aragon, and one side and the initials “H” and “K” entwined with a ribbon on the other side. A banner at the bottom of both sides contains the inscription + TOVS + IORS (the French “toujours” meaning “always”) in red enamel lettering.
The locket hangs from a chain of 75 links 17.2 inches long. It is attached by a gloved hand clenched in a fist with a cuff of white enamel decorated with black dots suggesting ermine fur. A cloud shape above the cuff of the glove suggests it represents the diving hand of God, symbol of love and The chain and hand are also made of 24K gold.
Based on the style of the Lombardic script and decorative designs, British Museum researchers determined the locket was made after 1509 and before 1530. Analysis of the metals and enamel also confirm they date to the early 16th century. Henry married Katherine in 1509, banished her from court in 1531 and divorced her in 1533, so the date range is right on the nose for the period when courtiers would show off their devotion to the king and queen.
Historical research led by the British Museum has found that it may have been commissioned to celebrate the betrothal of Princess Mary, then two years old, to Francis, Dauphin of France, an eight-month-old baby, in 1518. The betrothal was made to secure the Treaty of London, a non-aggression pact signed by England and France in October 1518 that was later ratified by the other major powers of Europe. The betrothal was repudiated in 1521 when England joined an alliance with Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, who then declared war on France. The next year, Mary, now six years old, was betrothed to the Holy Roman Emperor instead, her 22-year-old cousin. That engagement eventually fell by the wayside too.
As well as commemorating Henry and Katherine’s love, ambition and Katherine’s importance as Henry’s first queen, the Tudor Heart Pendant also unveils this little-told part of Mary’s story.
A powerful witness to pivotal years in English history, the Tudor Heart Pendant offers a tantalising glimpse into the splendour of Henry VIII’s early court and celebrates chivalry, love and dynastic hope.
To donate to the Tudor Heart Acquisition Appeal, click here.
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