It sounds as if you issue with the timing marks then. It is not possible, under normal circumstances, for what you describe (no2 at the top and the timing mark at TDC.
So follow my instructions, but ignore the timing marks. Get the valves on number 4 rocking and after removing number 1 spark plug put something down the hole to establish the piston is at its uppermost travel. This is going to be near enough TDC. Then follow the rest of the instructions

Hello C.S.J.,

Many thanks for your kind help.
It looks like my attempted reply has vanished.

What I tried to explain was that the no. 2 piston/cylinder is at the top when the timing marks are at TDC instead of the no.1 piston. The thing is that the car ran very well for years with this setup. All I did was disconnect the leads.
It should be easy enough to connect 4 leads correctly if only by chance but somehow it has eluded me so far. Thanks again.

OK, so it's not as simple as just reconnecting the leads. You have to connect them in a particular order, starting at a known distributor position.
First thing to do is remove the rocker/valve cover. Then rotate the engine to the point where the valves on cylinder number 4 (rearmost cylinder)are rocking ( exhaust is closing and inlet is opening. At this point, if you look at the timing marks on the front pulley they should be lining up with the marks on the case. This then should be firing on number 1 cylinder.
Remove the distributor cap and note where the rotor arm is pointed. This should be at the segment for number 1 cylinder. So put number 1 lead into the corresponding hole in the distributor cap. The rest is reasonably simple. The distributor turns ANTICLOCKWISE, so in the next hole anti clockwise fit number 3 cylinder lead, in the next number 4 and in the next number 2.
Refit the rocker cover and as you say providing the distributor hasn't been moved, it should fire up!!
Hope this is of some assistance.

Hello,
I am very grateful for past help.
When my car was running, about 15 years ago, the engine sounded very sweet and the the oil pressure gauge indicated it was as good as new.
Sadly, I disconnected the plug leads and now it wont run because I don't know how to reconnect them.
All the time I had been driving it (about 10 years), it seems that the distributor was fitted wrongly, with the number two cylinder being top dead centre.
I don't really see any need to change the distributor position and would welcome a drawing of how I should reconnect the leads. Many thanks.