The theme for this week’s #TudorTuesdays with Historic Houses is jewels and jewellery.
Hever Castle does not have any jewellery on display in the Castle but jewels feature in the extensive collection of Tudor portraiture.
Anne Boleyn is seen wearing the famous `B’ necklace in three portraits which visitors can see in the Queens’ Chamber, the Long Gallery and the Anne Boleyn bedroom.
Personalised jewellery, using initials, was popular during the Tudor period and the `B’ pendant was Anne’s favourite necklace.
There is a lot of speculation regarding the fate of Anne’s famous ‘B’ pendant, and it has been suggested that three of the four pearls in the Imperial State Crown once came from Anne’s necklace. However, there really is no way to prove this claim so whether they are or not remains a mystery.
A replica of the necklace and other `B’ merchandise can also be purchased in the Hever Shop or online.
The portrait of Mary I, on display in the Long Gallery, features the mysterious La Peregrina Pearl which visitors found out more about during a small temporary exhibition about film and TV programmes filmed at the Castle which took place in 2019.
Bought by actor Richard Burton for Elizabeth Taylor during their first marriage, the $11millon dollar pearl was seen on screen for the first time at Hever Castle when Taylor played a cameo role in Anne of the Thousand Days (1969), having been rejected for the coveted part of Anne Boleyn.
If you enjoyed this item, why not discover more about Tudor Tuesdays.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.