An alarming incident unfolded at Blenheim Palace in the early hours of 14 September 2019, leaving staff member Eleanor Paice in shock. Paice, who resided in a staff flat above the palace, was awoken by the sound of breaking glass and blaring fire alarms, marking the beginning of an audacious heist. Little did Paice know that she would soon become a witness to the final moments of a daring robbery.
The daring heist involved five men forcefully entering Blenheim Palace, removing a £4.8m solid gold toilet named America, and making their escape in a stolen Volkswagen Golf. The toilet, part of an exhibition by artist Maurizio Cattelan, had only been on display for two days at the historic stately home. Several years after the incident, three men have been convicted in relation to the theft, shedding further light on the bold crime.
Among those convicted are James Sheen, who admitted to burglary and transferring criminal property in 2024, and Michael Jones, found guilty of burglary at Oxford Crown Court. The aftermath of the crime not only captivated art enthusiasts but also led to a wave of public interest in the unique circumstances surrounding the heist at Blenheim Palace. Exclusive access to palace staff by the BBC provided insights into the security lapses that allowed the brazen criminals to execute their plan unhindered
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