A NORTH YORKSHIRE monument has been reinstated after a £60,000 restoration programme.

An ornamental Grecian brazier, or urn, is back in place on top of a 100ft high column at Castle Howard.

Leaping copper flames, which have been gilded to reflect the sun's light with a fiery glow, crown the impressive structure, resting on a ten-foot Grecian tripod at the top of the column.

Easingwold-based Ebor Stone, York gilder Bill Bonney and Thirsk blacksmith Chris Topp worked together to restore the magnificent monument, which is visible for miles around.

The column was erected in 1870 by public subscription, to commemorate the 7th Earl of Carlisle, who was Viceroy of Ireland.

No blueprints survived of the original four-tonne brazier and tripod, so the team studied a faded illustration, which appeared in The Builder magazine in 1870, to produce a detailed design.

"I'm confident we've created something very much like the original," said scheme architect Peter Pace.

"It's been a complex job, working with cast and wrought iron, and we also had to be sure the structure was strong enough to survive the load stresses and buffeting it will get from the elements."

Simon Howard, owner of Castle Howard, said: "The restoration programme could not be implemented without the financial and professional support of English Heritage and their contribution is greatly appreciated.

"Tribute must also go to all the staff at Castle Howard who have adapted to change in recent years and achieved the results that make this, and other restoration projects possible.

"They have worked hard to make the vision of restoring Castle Howard a reality."

Updated: 11:49 Friday, December 20, 2002