About The Tudor Heart
British Museum curator Rachel King shares the fascinating story of the Tudor Heart Pendant, a rare survivor of the early Tudor Court and a historic treasure unlike any other. Few objects endure that reveal the personal life and marriage of Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon, and in 2026 this extraordinary jewel was acquired by the British Museum on behalf of the nation.
Crafted from the purest gold and embellished with the couple’s initials, alongside a white and red Tudor rose entwined with a pomegranate bush, the personal emblem of Queen Katherine, the pendant offers a striking window into a pivotal chapter of English history. Drawing on scientific analysis and research undertaken since its discovery by a metal detectorist in 2019, Rachel reveals a tantalising glimpse into the splendour of Henry VIII’s early court, celebrating chivalry, love and dynastic hope.
There will be a book signing after this event.
Get ahead of your Festival reading and visit the Waterstones Cheltenham Science Festival bookshop and support Cheltenham Festivals with every purchase.
The Tudor Heart - Objects in Focus (Paperback)
by Rachel King
Getting Here
Parking
Pay at machine on-road parking can be found around the venue and the nearest main car park is located on St George’s Road (GL50 3DT).
Walk
The venue is a six minute walk from Montpelier Gardens and a seven min walk by foot from the town centre.
Bus & Train
Stagecoach bus services stop nearby on Montpellier and in town centre on the Promenade. The town centre is a 25-minute walk from the Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, with a taxi rank located outside the station as well as local bus services. For further information on Cheltenham bus services, please visit the Stagecoach website.
More infoAccess
The venue’s front entrance has step access, but there is a no-step entrance on the Parabola Road side of the building with push-pad access. Guide dogs are welcome and the venue is equipped with hearing enhancers.
Accessible toilets can be found by the main toilets in the venue, by the circle bar, and the dance studio – all areas can be accessed via a lift.
There is no hearing loop or assistance system in Parabola Arts Centre.
If you are uncertain about your booking we advise contacting our box office via email, by phone on 01242 850 270 during on-sale periods, or by using our Access Booking Form so that we can ensure you seating is suitable for the event you wish to attend. Our booking information page will have the most up to date box office phone opening hours.
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