St Mary’s Church, Bucklebury

A single piece stained glass sundial in one of Berkshire’s most historic churches. Now in a north-facing window in the chancel – clearly not its original location. The glass condition is excellent bar a small crack in the bottom right corner. The gnomon is missing; its fixing holes are offset to the right. Originally, the gnomon would have been on the outside, its shadow cast on the dial seen from inside.
The shield of Thomas Stephens of Lypiatt Park, Glos. Is in the centre. Time is marked in black Roman numerals on a yellow band from VII (7am) to VI (6pm) in quarter hours with a cross patty at noon. Inscriptions “S:S: me fecit” “1649” above the shield, and “Th.S. & St” below it.
As with many old stained glass sundials there is a realistic fly motif with the body and legs painted on the exterior and wings inside.