A THREE hundred year old tapestry has been returned to its former glory and proudly displayed at Blenheim Palace following a year long renovation project.

The Brabant Tapestry is one of a series commissioned by the First Duke of Marlborough between 1706-1710 to celebrate his victories in the war of Spanish Succession.

The Victories series comprises of 10 tapestries - nine of which are on display in the palace's state rooms - each depicts a pivotal battle in the war.

After preparation by Blenheim Palace's tapestry conservator, Emma Telford, at the palace and at her studio, the tapestry was transported to deWit in Belgium where a specialist cleaning facility washed it to remove any harmful pollutants.

Once clean, it was returned to the UK and taken back to Ms Telford's studio to be painstakingly conserved.

Spokeswoman at Blenheim Palace Melodie Manners explained: "The process involved removing the lining and press-stud fastenings; surface cleaning; dye testing; re-lining and re-sewing any slits.

"Velcro was also attached to three sides in place of the press-stud fastenings allowing for the tapestry to be removed from the wall quickly in the event of an emergency.

The delicate process of restoring each tapestry takes between nine and 12 months to complete and costs £30,000.

"Despite being more than three centuries old, the tapestries are remarkably well preserved.

"They do however require conservation treatment to secure their existence for future generations. Abrasive dust and dirt, carried in the air, can accumulate amongst the threads obscuring the designs and causing damage.

"They are also under considerable stress simply hanging on the wall, supporting their own immense weight."