A Birmingham cafe owner’s hobby has transformed his life after he discovered a priceless piece of history while metal detecting.
Charlie Clarke unearthed a rare 500-year-old gold pendant linked to Henry VIII’s marriage to Katherine of Aragon in a Warwickshire field. The exquisite Tudor Heart pendant, connected to England’s royal past, immediately captured the attention of historians and experts.
Following a high-profile fundraising campaign, the British Museum has secured the pendant for the nation by raising £3.5 million. The funds will be split between Charlie Clarke and the landowner, instantly making Clarke a millionaire with a £1.75 million share.
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Clarke recalled the moment of discovery in 2019, just six months after taking up metal detecting: “I shrieked like a little girl when I found it.” He had been about to end his search for the day after initially uncovering “junk,” but a sudden strong signal led him to dig deeper—literally to the length of his elbow—to uncover the remarkable find.
“This is a once in 30 lifetimes discovery,” Clarke said, describing how the pendant immediately fascinated experts. He plans to use some of his fortune to secure a good education for his son, stating, “Birmingham can be a tough place, and any parent just wants the best for their children.”
The British Museum launched its public appeal last October, successfully reaching its £3.5 million target by February 10, thanks to generous donations totaling £360,000 from the public, along with significant grants from trusts and heritage organizations.
Nicholas Cullinan, director of the British Museum, expressed gratitude to supporters and highlighted the pendant’s historical significance: “The Tudor Heart tells us about a piece of English history few of us knew, and now it’s a shared treasure. We look forward to exhibiting it across the UK soon.”
Research suggests the 24-carat gold pendant was crafted for a 1518 tournament celebrating the betrothal of Henry VIII’s daughter, Princess Mary, to the French heir. Tudor monarchs often commissioned elaborate costume jewellery for court occasions to display splendor and power.
The pendant beautifully combines the Tudor rose with Katherine of Aragon’s pomegranate emblem, and bears the inscription “tousiors,” Old French for “always.” Its mysterious discovery in Warwickshire adds to its intrigue.
Legally declared under the Treasure Act 1996, the pendant was made available to museums to preserve and display this priceless heritage item.
Simon Thurley, chairman of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, praised the acquisition, noting its cultural insight into Henry VIII’s court and value as a public educational piece. Since 1980, the fund has supported nearly 1,500 heritage acquisitions, ensuring shared treasures remain accessible.
Art Fund director Jenny Waldman hailed the pendant as a remarkable symbol of history, crediting the collective support that will allow future generations to appreciate the Tudor Heart’s beauty and story.
Currently displayed in the British Museum’s gallery two, the Tudor Heart will remain on public view as plans continue for its formal acquisition into the museum’s collection later this year.