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Charles K. Aked

February 1998 page 18
Charles K. Aked
Journal Reviews
Round-up of recent articles and notes on sundials and gnomonics from a range of journals and proceedings, with concise comments to guide readers to useful sources.
Book Reviews
June 1998 page 18
Charles K. Aked
Gnomonic Bibliographies
This article details the author's decades-long work in compiling extensive bibliographies on gnomonics, inspired by an earlier work on horology. It discusses the challenges of the project, including its scope and arrangement, and mentions collaboration with other researchers.
The BSS and Members
January 1997 page 26
Charles K. Aked
Destruction by Vines
A cautionary note on how unchecked vegetation, particularly vines, can damage sundials. Provides examples and preventative advice for dial owners.
January 1997 page 45
Charles K. Aked
Sundial House
Description of the sundials at Sundial House in Culcheth, Greater Manchester, their historical setting, and unique design elements. Notes on their preservation and cultural value.
Dials: Vertical, Historical Dials
April 1997 page 51
Charles K. Aked
Queen's College Sundial
An account of the Queen’s College sundial, its history, design, and significance within its architectural setting.
Dials: Vertical, Historical Dials
April 1997 page 55
Charles K. Aked
Immanuel Halton
A biographical piece on Immanuel Halton, his contributions to gnomonics, and the historical context of his work.
July 1997 page 20
Charles K. Aked
The Angel of Chartres
This article explores the history and function of the sundial at Chartres Cathedral, which is known as 'The Angel of Chartres'. It discusses how the dial provided local solar time and served as a benchmark for timekeeping, even after the introduction of mechanical clocks.
Dials: Vertical, Historical Dials
July 1997 page 24
Charles K. Aked
Meridian Lines, The Andrew Somerville Memorial Lecture
Lecture on meridian lines in Europe, their scientific and historical significance, and notable examples.
Dials: Noon Lines
July 1997 page 35
Charles K. Aked
Book Reviews
Reviews of recently published books on sundials, horology, and related topics.
Book Reviews
July 1997 page 36
Charles K. Aked
Journal Reviews
Summaries of articles from other journals relating to sundials.
Book Reviews
October 1997 page 22
Charles K. Aked
Book Reviews
This section reviews *Appunti per uno studio delle Meridiane Islamiche* (Islamic sundials) and *A Roman Cylinder Dial; Witness to a Forgotten Tradition* (an ancient Roman portable cylinder dial).
Book Reviews
October 1997 page 23
Charles K. Aked
Journal Reviews
This section reviews journals from various sundial societies, including *ZONNETUDINGEN* (Belgian), *DE ZONNEWUZERKRING* (Netherlands), *COMPENDIUM* (NASS), and *LA BUSCA DE PAPER* (Catalan).
Book Reviews
February 1996 page 4
Charles K. Aked
The 1995 BSS Conference
A comprehensive report on the 1995 BSS Conference at Grantley Hall, covering sundial exhibits, lectures, field trips, and society matters.
The BSS and Members
February 1996 page 50
Charles K. Aked
Sundial Mottoes
A curated selection of mottoes found on sundials, with commentary on their meanings and origins.
Mottoes
June 1996 page 44
Charles K. Aked
The Torquetum
Explains the historical astronomical instrument called the torquetum, its gnomonic uses, and significance in early timekeeping.
Historical Dials
June 1996 page 52
Charles K. Aked
Groombridge Place Gardens
Describes the sundials and garden layout at Groombridge Place, with commentary on restoration efforts and their historical setting.
Historical Dials
October 1996 page 1
Charles K. Aked
Editorial
The editor reflects on changes to the Bulletin's format and the importance of members' contributions, acknowledging the journal's reputation in the dialling world and discussing practical challenges like production costs.
The BSS and Members
October 1996 page 6
Charles K. Aked
The Sundial of St. Gregory's Minster
A comprehensive study of the Saxon sundial at St. Gregory’s Minster, Kirkdale, discussing its historical inscriptions, layout, cultural significance, and the tidal time system used in its design.
Dials: Mass Dials, Historical Dials
October 1996 page 29
Charles K. Aked
A Tyneside Shipyard Sundial
An account of a sundial found at a Tyneside shipyard, analysing its design, probable origins, and its place in the maritime and industrial history of the region.
Historical Dials
October 1996 page 39
Charles K. Aked
The West Dean College Conference - 1996
A report on the BSS conference at West Dean College, summarising lectures, workshops, and notable discussions on dialling topics.
The BSS and Members
February 1995 page 2
Charles K. Aked
Bewcastle Cross
A detailed historical and archaeological analysis of the Bewcastle Cross in Cumbria, focusing on its origins, runic inscriptions, and the embedded early Christian sundial, alongside its stylistic comparisons with other Anglo-Saxon monuments.
Dials: Unusual, Dials: Vertical, Historical Dials
June 1995 page 10
Charles K. Aked
Bewcastle Cross (Part II)
A continuation of the detailed study of the Bewcastle Cross, focusing on its sundial, historical dating, construction theories, and preservation concerns, with references to replicas and Anglo-Saxon design.
Dials: Mass Dials, Historical Dials
June 1995 page 18
Charles K. Aked
Bewcastle Cross (Poem)
A poem inspired by the historic Bewcastle Cross, paying homage to its enduring mystery, beauty, and cultural significance.
October 1995 page 4
Charles K. Aked
The Ambassadors
A deep exploration of Holbein’s painting 'The Ambassadors', interpreting its rich symbolism, especially the dialling instruments depicted. The article covers the painting’s history, the identities of the subjects, and technical discussion of the dials, torquetum, and polyhedral sundial shown.
Dials: Unusual, Historical Dials
February 1994 page 9
Charles K. Aked
Sundials in Illustrations
Survey of artistic representations of sundials across centuries, evaluating their accuracy, symbolism, and evolution, with references to works by Holbein and others.
Historical Dials
June 1994 page 22
Charles K. Aked
The Uranical Astrolabe of John Blagrave
A scholarly exploration of the design and function of a unique astrolabe developed by the 16th-century English mathematician John Blagrave. The article explains its astronomical foundations, innovative features, and historical context, linking it to broader developments in Renaissance scientific instrumentation.
Dials: Astrolabe, Historical Dials, How Sundials Work
October 1994 page 7
Charles K. Aked
The Queen's College Dial, Cambridge
This article describes the large painted sundial in the Old Court of Queens' College, Cambridge. It discusses its history, including early records, refurbishments, and frequent repainting due to paint deterioration. The article refutes the tradition that Sir Isaac Newton designed the dial, details its features like the gilt sun-burst gnomon, Roman numerals, zodiacal signs, and scales for day duration and sunrise time. It also clarifies that it's not a "Moon dial" but has a moon table of dubious utility, and suggests improvements for future restoration for better clarity and accuracy.
Dials: Vertical, Historical Dials
October 1994 page 10
Charles K. Aked
The Gate of Honour, Cambridge
This article details the history and restoration of the Gate of Honour at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, which features six sundials. It covers the gate's construction, early repairs and repainting efforts, and its decay over centuries due to porous stone and vandalism. The focus shifts to the 1958-1959 quatercentenary restoration, during which the original painted dials were replaced with expensive bronze plates with enamel fillings. The article also mentions a separate pillar in Caius Court that once housed sixty dials, emphasizing the craftsmanship and decorative nature of these historical timepieces.
Dials: Multi Faced, Historical Dials, Restoration projects
February 1993 page 9
Charles K. Aked
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
This article describes the Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a unique sundial monument designed by Helm Roberts. It details how the gnomon's shadow marks the names of fallen Kentuckians on their death dates, covering computer calculations and verification processes for this symbolic memorial.
Historical Dials, Sundial Design & Layout
February 1993 page 31
Charles K. Aked
The Tower of the Winds, Athens (Addenda)
This addendum provides further details on the Tower of the Winds in Athens, supplementing a previous article. It discusses the condition of its carvings and dials, challenges in conservation, and references for understanding its sundials and their orientation, including allegorical figures of the eight winds.
Dials: Multi Faced, Historical Dials
June 1993 page 21
Charles K. Aked
High Noon
This article discusses historical methods for determining exact noon, crucial for regulating early mechanical clocks. It highlights the challenges of precise noon observation with traditional sundials and describes the Dipleidoscope, an ingenious optical instrument invented by James Mackenzie Bloxham and later patented by Dent. This device used prisms or mirrors to achieve accurate noon determination through the visual coincidence of two sun images.
Dialling Tools
June 1993 page 38
Charles K. Aked
Book Reviews
This section contains reviews of three publications: Manuscritos Relojeros by Jose Luis Basanta Campos, detailing 45 historical dialling manuscripts; Se Ne Va il Tempo Come L'Ombra by Gianmarco Rebaudengo et al., a pictorial record of sundials in Asti, Italy; and Ivory Diptych Sundials 1570-1750 by Steven A. Lloyd, cataloguing Harvard University's collection with historical introductions.
Book Reviews
June 1993 page 40
Charles K. Aked
The Merton College Chapel Dial
This article describes the unusual sundial on the north wall of Merton College Chapel, Oxford, discussing its restoration and historical attribution to Henry Briggs or John Bainbridge. It analyses the confusing sets of lines, including declination and azimuth lines, and explains the dial's limited functionality (5.30 to 10.00 am in summer) due to its orientation and surrounding buildings, suggesting it was an academic exercise rather than a practical time indicator.
Dials: Unusual, Dials: Vertical, Historical Dials, Sundial Design & Layout
June 1993 page 43
Charles K. Aked
A Word from the Editor
The editor provides an apology for the late publication of the bulletin due to medical conditions and mislaid material. He also welcomes articles and letters from members, outlining publication standards, including formatting requirements, accuracy, copyright considerations, and the preference for English texts. He notes the positive feedback on the bulletin and the approval for reprinting earlier issues.
The BSS and Members
October 1993 page 32
Charles K. Aked
Destruction by Decay
This article explores the rapid deterioration of ancient sundials in the British Isles, attributing decay to factors like stone quality and water-induced damage. It discusses examples like the Bewcastle Cross sundial and the importance of protection and restoration. The article highlights the British Sundial Society's aims in cataloguing and preserving historical artefacts to prevent their complete loss.
Dials: Mass Dials, Historical Dials, Restoration projects, The BSS and Members
February 1992 page 25
Charles K. Aked
PROFILE: Harriet Wynter
This profile introduces Harriet Wynter (born Molly Rich), a prominent figure in the scientific instrument world. It traces her career from working in an electrical instruments factory during WWII to becoming an antiques dealer specializing in scientific instruments. She co-authored a book on scientific instruments, publishes numerous catalogues, and is about to write a book on portable sundials, having recently been made a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers.
The BSS and Members
February 1992 page 28
Charles K. Aked
Cambridge Lecture "Dialling Literature"
Charles K. Aked discusses the vast and under-catalogued field of dialling literature. He notes the absence of a comprehensive bibliography and shares his own ambitious, ongoing project to compile one, which has already uncovered thousands of entries. The lecture covers the historical evolution of dialling texts, the challenges of translation and accuracy, and the value of modern works over older, often complex and specialized treatises.
Book Reviews
February 1992 page 38
Charles K. Aked
Dial-ectic
Charles K. Aked explores the etymology and various uses of the word "dial," prompted by a member's use of "dial-ectic." He discusses its Latin origins ("dies" for day) and its evolution from "diurnal wheel" in clockwork to "sundial." The article critiques dictionary definitions for being too loose and traces historical references to "dial" in literature from the 15th to 19th centuries, including its figurative senses and use in distinguishing from mechanical clocks.
February 1992 page 39
Charles K. Aked
Editor's Fare
Charles K. Aked reflects on the unexpected growth and success of the BSS Bulletin since its inception as a small newsletter. He highlights the rapid increase in membership, the transition to printed issues for clarity and illustrations, and the challenges of rising postage costs. The editor notes the high erudition of contributors, the society's ability to cater to diverse interests (including mass dials and computer programs), and solicits member contributions and suggestions for improvements.
The BSS and Members
June 1992 page 9
Charles K. Aked
BSS at Clacton Clock Fair
This article reports on the British Sundial Society's participation in the Clacton Clock Fair in May 1992. Mr. D.A. Young and Mr. C.K. Aked displayed items, including sundial cigarette cards and a Singleton helical dial, attracting considerable public interest. The event underscored the general public's limited knowledge about sundials and the need for greater publicity for dialling.
The BSS and Members
June 1992 page 19
Charles K. Aked
Estimation of Compass Date by Magnetic Deviation
This article explains how magnetic compass deviation, which varies over time and location, can be used to estimate the date of manufacture for portable sundials incorporating compasses. It discusses historical records of magnetic variation and how these can be compared with the deviation marked on a compass bowl. Local conditions affecting magnetic fields, and the need for accurate observations are noted.
Dials: Portable, Historical Dials
June 1992 page 30
Charles K. Aked
His Majesty's Dials in Whitehall Gardens
This article details the large cubic sundial erected in Whitehall's Privy Garden in 1622 for King James I, replacing an earlier Caen stone dial. Based on Edmund Gunter's 1624 treatise, it describes the intricate design with multiple dials, including a great horizontal concave. The dial's use led to the discovery of magnetic variation, and its sculptor was Nicholas Stone.
Dials: Cube, Dials: Multi Faced, Historical Dials
October 1992 page 9
Charles K. Aked
The Tower of the Winds, Athens
This lecture describes the octagonal Tower of the Winds in Athens, built around 37 BC by Andronicus Cyrrhestes, housing a water clock and eight planar sundials. The tower features allegorical wind figures and its sundials, though faint, provided seasonal hours. The article highlights the historical neglect of its dials compared to the water clock and the need for restoration.
Dials: Multi Faced, Historical Dials
February 1991 page 14
J.S. Clock-maker
Charles K. Aked
Horological Dialogues.
A dialogue from a 1675 book discussing the apparent inequality between clock time and sundial time. The discussion reflects the historical debate among clockmakers regarding the sun's seemingly irregular motion. Notes accompanying the excerpt explain that the author, John Smith, was working from an older understanding of the cosmos, and the true reasons for the variation were clarified later.
Book Reviews
July 1991 page 40
Charles K. Aked
Worgan in Australia
Charles Aked discusses a John Worgan sundial, a 17th-century London instrument-maker, found in Australia by Mrs. Faye Starkey. The article provides Worgan's biographical details, his instruments, and pamphlets. It describes the specific dial, engraved for London latitude with two noon marks, noting its current damaged state from family use, its historical journey, and its inoperability in the Southern Hemisphere.
Historical Dials
October 1991 page 5
T.W. Cole
Charles K. Aked
Treasures of the Church
This article, originally by Reverend T.W. Cole, discusses 'incised sundials' (scratch or mass dials) found on church stonework in England from Saxon times to the 18th century. It traces their evolution from small, simple markings to larger, more prominent and scientifically designed dials, and highlights early attempts at accuracy, different time systems, and the preservation efforts for these historical artifacts. It also mentions key figures like Dom Ethelbert Horne and A.R. Green.
Restoration projects, Historical Dials, Dials: Mass Dials
October 1991 page 26
Charles K. Aked
Book Reviews
This section reviews several books related to sundials. "Orologi Solari - Trattato Completo di Gnomonica" by Girolamo Fantoni is praised for its comprehensive mathematical treatment. "Cadrans Solaires, Artissime, Nyons" is a French publicity booklet for replica dials. "The Gift of Shadows" by W.A. Hutchinson is an unusual book with blue-tinted illustrations. "Cambridge Sundials" by Alexis Brookes and Margaret Stanier is a pleasant, illustrated guide to Cambridge dials. "The Earth in Space" is a leaflet for children published as National Maritime Museum Educational Series Information Leaflet No 3.
Book Reviews
June 1990 page 31
Charles K. Aked
Wood's Curiosities of Clocks and Watches
This discussion, referencing Wood's 1866 book, delves into the historical terminology of time-measuring instruments, the etymology of clock and early mentions of sundials in the Bible. It also includes Shakespearean references to dials and descriptions of antique watches incorporating sundials.
Book Reviews
October 1990 page 1
Charles K. Aked
Dialogue - Antique Clocks, Fold Es Eg 90/7, Alte Uhren
This section reviews articles in "Antique Clocks" including "The Sundial Page" by Christopher Daniel, discussing the Greenwich Sundial and declination furniture, and a heliochronometer. It also mentions a Hungarian journal's article on a 1462 astrolabe and a German publication on dialling. Some computer programs are advertised as available. An exhibition in Amsterdam "Images of Time" is mentioned and a video by Hans Behrendt "Glass Window DIals".
Book Reviews
October 1990 page 22
Charles K. Aked
Dr Andrew R. Somerville - A Personal Appreciation
This appreciation describes Andrew Somerville's crucial role in founding the British Sundial Society (BSS) in 1989. It recounts his initiatives, including lectures, conferences (like the Oxford Gnomonics Conference), and future plans for the society, highlighting his dedication, intellect, and modesty in dialling endeavours.
The BSS and Members
October 1990 page 25
Charles K. Aked
Book Reviews
Reviews cover "Cadrans Solaires de Precision - Notions theoriques et realisation a I'aide de I'informatique" by Yves Opizzo and "The Ancient Sundials of Scotland" by Dr. Andrew R. Somerville;
Book Reviews
October 1990 page 31
Charles K. Aked
The Nelson Touch?
This article humorously discusses a correspondence in The Times concerning an April Fool proposal to turn Nelson's Column and Trafalgar Square into a giant sundial commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar. The correspondence critiques the impracticality of such a design based on gnomonic principles, while also providing historical details on timekeeping during the battle.
Dials: Horizontal, Historical Dials, How Sundials Work
July 1989 page 12
Charles K. Aked
Sundial Books

Book Reviews
November 1989 page 5
Charles K. Aked
The Construction of Sundials ... .
The construction of sundials is discussed, with references to available books on the subject. Several books on sundial construction are mentioned including works by Winthrop W. Dolan, Christopher St. J. H. Daniel, and Peter I. Drinkwater. Delves into practical considerations such as selecting dial types based on site orientation and potential obstructions, which can significantly limit the hours indicated. It describes methods for finding the true meridian and determining latitude, as well as calculating local solar time differences and applying the Equation of Time for accuracy. Tips on personalising dials with mottoes are given, alongside advice on design elements like borders and additional indications, with a caution that too many details can make a dial confusing. The importance of using durable materials that can withstand the climate is emphasised, contrasting permanent materials like bronze with less resilient ones
Book Reviews, Sundial Design & Layout
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