British Museum announces discovery of Henry VIII's pendant

A gold pendant which is linked with Henry VIII is one of thousands of treasures that have been recently discovered and added to displays at the British Museum.

According to the museum, over 45,000 archaeological finds and more than 1000 treasures were discovered during 2021. The 16^th century pendant that has been linked to Henry VIII is one of a number of objects outlined in the museum’s Treasure Annual Report and Portable Antiques Scheme. It is a heart shaped pendant and chain with the letters H and K engraved – the initials are thought to reference Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon. It was discovered by Charlie Clarke whilst metal detecting in Warwickshire. The pendant is gold and features a double headed white and red rose, a symbol used by the Tudors and a pomegranate, the badge of Katherine of Aragon.

The museum also reported about a medieval strap end, made of silver which was found in Hampshire. The item is designed to finish a flat strip of fabric and is thought to have been used by a merchant.

The British Museum has found that Gloucestershire was the county with the most historic finds in 2021. Over 8000 items were discovered there, with Suffolk and Lincolnshire following with more than 4000 items. The most amount of treasure was reported in Norfolk and Kent. Under the Treasure Act, finders have to legally report all finds of treasure to local authorities.

Speaking to reporters, Hartwig Fishcher, The British Museum’s director, said: “It is fantastic that so many finds have been recorded.”

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said: “This beautiful pendant is a thrilling discovery giving us a tangible connection to Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon and enriches our understanding of the Royal Court at the time.”

Find out more about the latest finds from the British Museum here.