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But now this monument to the man who burnt down the White House has been restored to it former glory.

It commemorates Major General Robert Ross, who led British Troops in the 1812 war against America. His soldiers took Washington and burned all its public buildings, including the presidential mansion. It is reputed that Ross ate President Madison's breakfast, the American leader having left in quite a hurry.

Now the historian researching the story has discovered the lengths which the US was prepared to go to exact revenge.

It cost almost a quarter of a million pounds to clean up the 180 year old monument. It had become overgrown and neglected since being put up by his regiment. Now it has been reclaimed by the council which recognises the tourism potential of Ross's story.

Even in death Ross was a colourful. It is reputed his troops preserved his body in a barrel of rum, until he could be buried in Nova Scotia.