Collecting the world 

The British Museum has successfully raised £3.5 million, which means the Tudor Heart Pendant will remain on public display for generations to come. 

In December 2019 a metal detectorist in Warwickshire found a spectacular Tudor Heart jewel associated with Henry VIII and his first wife Katherine of Aragon in the ground after centuries of rest.

The Tudor Heart Pendant is unlike any object in the British Museum collection or elsewhere in the UK. This highly accomplished jewel with enamelled motifs is attached to a 75-link gold chain by a suspension clasp in the form of a hand emerging from a cloud.

Few objects survive to tell the story of Henry's life with the devoutly Catholic Katherine, a consequence of the annulment of their marriage in 1533. Their union was the longest of all of Henry's, lasting 24 years it decisively shaped the first three decades of his reign.

Visiting information

The display is free to visit, just book a timed slot in advance to receive key information and updates before your visit and priority entry during busy periods.

• The British Museum was founded in 1753 as a place of recreation 'for all studious and curious persons'.
   
• Opened to the public in 1759, like now, the Museum was free but to prevent overcrowding, early visitors had to apply in person to the Porter for a ticket, return another day to collect it, and then return at the appointed time for the visit itself. 
   
• The founding collection belonged to the physician Sir Hans Sloane (1660–1753). His collection included books, manuscripts and natural history specimens, as well as objects made by hand. 
   
• Originally a museum of natural history, books and manuscripts, art and archaeology, through the years the Museum has evolved into a collection of art and artefacts from the world's cultures.
   
• The Collecting the world display opened in Autumn 2014. It features a few of the many individual collectors whose passion has shaped the collections of the Museum since its foundation. The gallery also features individuals, support groups, organisations and international collaboration projects which continue to shape the Museum's future.
   
• The Collecting the world gallery was previously the Museum's manuscript gallery prior to the departure of the British Library to its new building in St Pancras. Some of the famous manuscripts on display during that time include the Magna Carta and the Lindisfarne Gospels.  

• A large print guide is available. 
• Some objects in this collection feature on the British Sign Language multimedia guide. This resource is temporarily unavailable. You can access a selection of BSL films on your own device.
• Some objects in this collection feature on the audio description guide, available on Soundcloud.
• Seating is available.
• Step-free access. 
• View sensory map.

Visit Accessibility at the Museum for more information.