Have you ever wanted to know how to wax an eighteenth century chair, polish a Georgian silver candlestick, care for historic fabrics, books and floors? Then you can find out on Sunday 28 September at Florence Court when the National Trust offers a fascinating 'putting the house to bed' tour.

As the leaves fall and days shorten, the National Trust house takes on a new form and staff adapt to a change in routine. At the end of the summer season, doors close and the house is 'put to bed'. October to March is a resting period for Florence Court house, but not for the staff.

A small team of conservation cleaners, who are usually invisible to the public, care for the exquisite contents and ensure that the house is in pristine condition for the arrival of visitors in the spring. In winter extensive cleaning begins, when the rooms are dusted from floor to ceiling and the contents individually checked and polished.

Guided tours to demonstrate the delicate process of putting the house to bed for the winter will run during Sunday 28 September from 1-5pm and will provide a fascinating insight into what happens behind the scenes at Florence Court and other National Trust properties.

For further information, please contact Florence Court on 028 6634 8249.