Tag: Vertical Dial Dorset

BELCHALWELL . ST ALDHELM . Vertical Dial

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ST ANDREW . BELCHALWELL . DORSET

Listed II* ❖ South door, part of S nave wall c.1190; C15 nave, south tower, porch, part of chancel; C18 works and restorations. A lonesome church in the heart of the Blackmore Vale. If unfamiliar with the area use a map or satnav. You’ll find a fascinating little church. 4m S of Sturminster Newton. 50.8873 / -2.2964 / ST792098

DIAL

A conventional dial, simple and a bit incongruous high up on the SW buttress of the tower. It is in fact a locally-made replica of a dial which had existed in the same position on the church since the late 18th or early 19th century (BSS). It is very slightly canted on the angled buttress, with the lines cut from VIII to VI. Including the horizontal line, this is (unusually?) a VII – VII dial.

Late Norman porch and Painted arch

GSS Category: Vertical Dial; Canted dial; Replaced old dial; Replica Vertical Dial

All photos: Keith Salvesen

LYME REGIS . SUNDIAL HOUSE . MARINE PARADE – Ornate Vertical Dial (1903)

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SUNDIAL HOUSE . MARINE PARADE . LYME REGIS

GRADE II ✤ Set back from the Parade, the very visible sundial on what is described (BLB) as a 4-light splayed bay which descends through all storeys to ground floor, with sundial built into wall between 1st and ground floors. The house can be rented. The views of the Jurassic coastline and out to sea are wonderful (on a sunny Spring day, anyway). 50.7238 /  -2.9358 / SY340919

DIAL

The dial itself has roman numerals from 5am to 4pm with a long slender gnomon. It is set within an exuberantly decorative frame, with a somewhat enigmatic ‘sun in splendour’ beaming down on it. The house is dated 1903, and the dial must have been designed as a prominent decorative feature. It is in very good condition. The town’s unbeatable Jurassic credentials are show in the large ammonites set into the surrounding stonework.

MOTTO

HORAS NON NUMERO NISI SERENAS

Gatty has a long entry (115) on this motto. Her translation is I only reckon the bright hours. She notes its use as a popular inscription, giving a dozen other locations where it can be found: the motto is too good to be uncommon. The earliest example of its use dates to c1500.

GSS Category: Vertical Dial; Modern Sundial; Sundial Motto

All photos: Keith Salvesen