The exquisite gold pendant intricately carved with the names and symbols of King Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, dates back to the 16th century.
Front and back of the centuries-old gold pendant. (Photo: Ancient Origins).
The British Museum displays the pendant associated with King Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, as reported by Ancient Origins on January 31. The pendant, crafted from gold and adorned with red and white enamel, was discovered by a gold detectorist in Warwickshire. The discovery was reported to the Portable Antiquities Scheme and Historic England, the British government’s agency. Experts conducted archaeological excavations in the area to gather more information about the item and its location.
Henry VIII was King of England from 1509 until his death in 1547. He is famous for his six marriages and his role in the religious reformation that led to the Church of England separating from the Roman Catholic Church. Catherine of Aragon was Henry’s first wife, a Spanish princess highly respected by the English people. The couple was married for over 20 years, but their marriage ended when King Henry VIII decided to divorce her to marry his mistress, Anne Boleyn.
The pendant is heart-shaped and attached to a gold chain with 75 links through an enameled hand design. The item dates back to the early 16th century, from 1509 to 1533. The front of the pendant features the red and white Tudor rose symbol, set amidst pomegranate bushes, representing Henry and Catherine. The back is engraved with the letters H and K, the initials of Henry and Catherine, connected by a ribbon.
According to experts, this pendant may have been quickly produced for a special event and used as a reward or worn by participants. Its design is similar to the saddle set used at a jousting event in Greenwich in 1521.
