ST CHAD’S . PATTINGHAM . STAFFS
BALUSTER DIAL 1818
GRADE II* Late C12 – C14; rebuilt mid-C17 after fire; extensive restoration late C19 (G Scott). In addition to scratch dials [see https://gaudiumsubsole.org/2026/09/] there is a very fine baluster sundial in the Churchyard, dated 1818. Mid-way between Bridgnorth and Wolverhampton. 52.5898 -2.2657 SO820991
DIAL
This fine dial seems to be in very good condition. It is a ‘Baddeley’ dial dated 1818, so not made by the pre-eminent John who died in 1804. Those more skilled in dial interpretation than I will, I think, enjoy it. I haven’t been able to work out how the clock speed works.
THE CLOCK SPEEDS
GSS Category: Baluster dial; Pedestal dial; Baddeley dial maker; Clock reader
All photos: Keith Salvesen / Rolling Harbour
Hi Keith, I tried to leave a comment on your website but got a message telling me to log in to Word Press – which I won’t do. The comment was: A good dial by a little-known maker, though using the ‘London style’ layout of the period. Good to see the details of the Equation of Time scale but the labelling of the photos as “Clock speeds” is confusing – the scales show the offset (in minutes) between apparent (sun) time and clock time with the essential information of which is ahead (faster or slower) at any date. Keep up the good work! Best regards, John
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Hi John, thanks so much for your quick reply and very helpful explanation about the dial. I have never really mastered ‘proper’ dial technicalities, so its very helpful to have an explanation. Mostly I am collecting scratch dials. It is wide-ranging. I have covered all of Dorset bar 4. I can’t remember if BSS knows about my site Gaudium Sub Sole https://gaudiumsubsole.org/ It is now very active and (luckily) well followed.
I am not able to be present on 26th, but wish I could be. All the best, Keith
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