A SHINING example of Tudor history can be seen in Swindon. The museum in Bath Road, Old Town, has acquired a decorative silver dress hook which once adorned the gowns of a wealthy Tudor woman.

The tiny but precious clasp, snapped up for £500, was unearthed by Wyvern Historical and Detector Society on farmland in Wanborough, near Swindon, two years ago.

Little more than the size of a postage stamp, the 16th century hook, which is 97 per cent silver, was later declared treasure at a local inquest meaning it could be bought for the Crown.

But thanks to funds raised by Friends of the Museum, museum chiefs have now acquired the rectangular clasp.

The hook will be on display at the Bath Road premises until October 13, when restoration will be carried out. It will then be returned to the museum.

Made during the reign of Henry VIII, the hook is an important piece of local history. The much-married king is known to have done some of his wooing of Jane Seymour in Savernake Forest.

Elizabeth I, who took the throne in 1558, was also no stranger to the area, having visited Lydiard House.

Museum curator Isobel Thompson said: "It is a pretty little thing and we are thrilled to have it here.

"Silver denoted status and it would have been worn by a woman who was quite wealthy."