A group of statues based on a 300-year-old design has again been given pride of place at Blenheim Palace.

Cranes lifted the Roman-style figures on to the parapet of the palace in Woodstock as the building celebrated a high point in its restoration.

A set of terracotta statues stood on the palace's North Facade for most of the last century.

Similar statues are thought to have been in place even before that, as laid out in the original 1705 plans.

But essential work on the outside of the palace, which was suffering from the effects of the weather, meant the statues had to be taken down in 1997.

The facade was left bare for 10 years - until the weekend.

The figures now standing on the parapet are not antiques but cast stone replicas of the terracotta set erected in the early 20th century.

Said to be of "great historical and architectural importance", the set formed part of the then restoration of the palace to its original design by the architect Sir John Vanbrugh.

Although each terracotta figure weighs one and a half tonnes, originals are now too delicate to face the elements in their former places.

Instead, the group was dismantled, conserved and then reassembled from - in some cases - more than 200 pieces.

The terracotta figures are being placed in sheltered alcoves in the Great Court, where visitors will be able to see them up close when the palace reopens on February 10.

The Duke of Marlborough, whose family still lives at the palace, said: "I am particularly delighted to see these important statues being restored to their rightful place on the Blenheim skyline and I am very grateful to the important support received from the Blenheim Foundation towards this work.

"I look forward to welcoming visitors to see these beautiful works of art back in place for 2007 season.

"The ongoing conservation and restoration work required to ensure that the beauty and timeless sophistication of the palace is maintained for generations to come is immense.

"I am very proud of all that has been achieved over recent years in preserving and presenting this World Heritage Site for so many to enjoy."

The cost of the figures' restoration was covered by the Blenheim Foundation along with a grant from English Heritage.

The programme of restoration at the palace also includes recent rewiring of the building as well as the ongoing restoration of a 16ft by 28ft tapestry.