Preserving a Tudor Heart

Boodles is proud to have contributed, via its charitable trust, to the British Museum’s acquisition of the Tudor Heart – one of the most remarkable post-medieval finds in recent history.

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Tudor Heart, Courtesy of the British Museum

Boodles Charitable Trust supports the British Museum’s acquisition of the Tudor Heart

Boodles is proud to have contributed, via its charitable trust, to the British Museum’s acquisition of the Tudor Heart – one of the most remarkable post-medieval finds in recent history. The pendant was discovered in 2019 by an amateur detectorist in a field in Warwickshire, having lain undisturbed beneath the soil for centuries. This exceptionally rare, heart-shaped pendant is crafted from 24-carat gold, adorned with enamelled emblems, and originally hung from a 75-link gold chain by a clasp shaped
like a hand.

The Tudor Heart is directly linked to King Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon, and is believed to have been created around 1518. Its face features a Tudor rose entwined with a pomegranate bush - Katherine’s personal emblem, symbolising fertility and her Spanish heritage. Beneath, a banner bears the inscription TOVS IORS, Old French for “always” or “all yours.” On the reverse, the initials ‘H’ and ‘K’ are engraved, marking it as a celebration of their marriage. Scientific analysis confirms its early 16th century origins, making it a tangible piece of history that has survived over 500 years.

"For Boodles, as a British jeweller, supporting this acquisition feels like a natural way to celebrate our heritage. It feels fitting to help ensure this remarkable piece of history and craftsmanship stays on home turf, where it can be admired and appreciated by everyone."

Honour Wainwright, Boodles Marketing Director

Objects connected to Katherine of Aragon are exceptionally rare. While her marriage to Henry VIII lasted 24 years - the longest of Henry’s unions - much of the material culture bearing her name or image was destroyed or dispersed. The Tudor Heart offers a surviving link to a royal marriage and a glimpse into the early years of Henry’s reign. Research suggests it may even have been created to celebrate the betrothal of their daughter, Mary, to the French heir apparent, reflecting the political ambitions of the Tudor court and Mary’s eventual role as the first queen to rule England in her own right.

The Tudor Heart is more than a masterpiece of craftsmanship; it is a rare survivor from a turbulent age, a record of a royal marriage, and a symbol of dynastic hope. By supporting its acquisition, Boodles is proud to help ensure this extraordinary piece of British history remains in the British Museum, where its artistry and story can be admired for generations. Now that it has surfaced, we have the chance to make sure it never disappears from view again — tousiors, always.

TOVIS IORS

Old French for ‘always’ or ‘all yours’

Tudor Heart details, Courtesy of the British Museum.

All images are courtesy of the British Museum