BY AILEEN MURPHY
Staff at Florence Court House, a National Trust property on the outskirts of Enniskillen have been left reeling following the theft of a number of valuable items from the property on Saturday.
Several items were discovered missing following the 2.45pm Tour of the 18th century property. Police have appealed for witnesses.
Items taken include a china Chelsea Cauliflower Tureen (red anchor mark, c1755) taken from the Venetian room; a miniature painting of Arthur Cole (1807) from the Drawing Room; seven glass paperweights (mid 20th century) taken from the Library; a bronze and alloy figure of two greyhounds from the serviary; and a British East Africa Automobile Association (AA) car badge.
Staff at the house initially noticed the Chelsea Cauliflower Tureen missing from a cabinet after 2.45pm but when police arrived, and a search of the premises was carried out, it was discovered the other items were also missing.
Police have issued a detailed description of a male they believe may be able to help them with their enquiries.
He is approximately 5'10'' tall, with short cropped hair starting to go grey. The man is thought to be in his early 50s, somewhere between 13-15 stone in weight and smartly dressed.
He was wearing a blue polo shirt with red on it and was carrying a light summer jacket.
A tour guide reported that the man was very friendly but that he was suspicious in that he was the last person on the tour to leave every room. He spoke with an English accent.
A spokesperson for the National Trust confirmed that all the items taken were unique and of great importance to the National Trust and of great sentimental value to the property.
"As a conservation charity, the National Trust is dedicated to caring for and protecting historic houses and their contents for ever, for everyone. This incident at Florence Court House has caused great concern for the charity and procedures have now been changed to better invigilate guided tours".
The National Trust has urged the public to contact the police at Enniskillen on 0845 600 8000 or call Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 should they be offered these items for sale.
The Trust are hoping this incident will not deter people from visiting Florence Court. In particular, the public are asked to remember this Sunday 25 May when the Big House hosts the 'Country Fair', the biggest annual event at Florence Court.
