NOTRE-DAME . JOBOURG . NORMANDY
A fine Romanesque church (C11 / 12) in the far NW of the Cotentin peninsular. From its elevated position in the coastal landscape, the sea can be seen on both sides. Of several good dials in the area (other posts will follow), this is the one that is closest to being a scratch dial, being cut directly into the gnomon stone. Other church dials in the region are vertical dials on, rather than cut into, their location.
DIAL
The dial is high up on the E buttress. Seen from the ground, the dial stone blends with the surrounding stones. Seen close to, the awkward setting – shaped angled top with filling around it – suggests relocation. Wherever originally positioned, the height of the dial on the buttress must have been an effective way to use the church’s prominent position to mark passage of the day for the local community.
The dial face has a layout similar to other dials in the area, 12 lines inside a double circle containing the numerals. A possible noon hole on the inner circle; possible noon line extending below it. The short pointed gnomon is a much later addition. LLQ is badly damaged. Beneath the angled top is an eroded inscription, the clearest letter being E. ‘RIEN’?
Finally, this photo from the excellent Michel Lalos french sundial site. I’m not sure when it was taken, but I expect within the last 20 years or so. It graphically shows how degraded and damaged the dial has come during a mere couple of decades. Sadly, LLQ is falling apart.
GSS Category: Scratch Dial; Mass Dial; Sundial France; Vertical Dial
All photos: Keith Salvesen except final, Michel Lalos
GAUDIUM SUB SOLE . SUNDIALS . MEDIEVAL TO MODERN 