The owner of one of England’s finest country estates has been found shot dead in the historic grounds he had lovingly restored.
Anthony Fortescue was the high sheriff of Cornwall. His body was discovered on the 7,500-acre Boconnoc estate in Cornwall after police were called to what they called a firearms incident.
Officers said they were not treating the 69-year-old’s death as suspicious. A spokesperson for the estate said: “It is with great sadness that the Boconnoc estate confirms the untimely and sudden death of Anthony Fortescue at his home [on Monday].
“The police are continuing with their investigations but have confirmed to the family that there are no suspicious circumstances. In recent years, Mr Fortescue has been instrumental - with his wife, Elizabeth, and two daughters, Clare and Sarah, in revitalising the estate and restoring Boconnoc House.”
Elizabeth Fortescue said: “Our daughters Clare and Sarah and I are so proud of all that Anthony created at Boconnoc. We and all the team at Boconnoc will miss him so deeply.”
A police spokesman said: “We received reports just before midday of an incident involving a firearm at the Boconnoc estate in Cornwall. A local man, 69, was pronounced dead at the scene and his next of kin have been informed. Police are currently investigating the matter but are not treating the death as suspicious. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”
The estate near Lostwithiel was mentioned in the Domesday Book. It came to the Fortescue family in the 19th century via Thomas Pitt, the governor of Madras, who raised the money for the estate by selling the “Pitt diamond”, which ended up in the hilt of Napoleon’s sword.
Boconnoc fell into disrepair after being used by US forces during the second world war. In 1997, Fortescue and his wife began the huge task of restoring the house and estate. Their efforts won plaudits and awards.
Since then it has been used as a set for films and as a venue for weddings and conferences. Its website states: “The main house and grounds are available to hire for anything from a candle-lit dinner for two, a house party for 18 guests or a self-catering holiday cottage to a wedding or party for up to 240 guests.”
In September Eton-educated Fortescue turned heads in London when he exercised his right as high sheriff of Cornwall to drive sheep over London Bridge.
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