September 2021
Page 1

Editorial

Discusses the value of knowing languages like Latin, Greek, Arabic, and Old Norse for sundial enthusiasts. Highlights various articles in the issue, including those covering Islamic sundials, Welsh inscriptions, Thomas Ross's series, the Winwick Hall project, a film-spotted dial, and an equatorial light spot sundial.

September 2021
Page 2

Islamic Sundials Signed by al-Mansur Carrying Dates in the Late 17th Century: An Examination of their Gnomonic and Historical Anomalies

Examines ten mosque sundials signed by al-Mansur and dated 1671–1681 AD. These instruments feature epigraphic anomalies and non-functional gnomonic layouts, including inaccurate hour lines and prayer indications. The authors conclude these sophisticated yet flawed dials are likely modern ‘fakes’.
Dials: Horizontal, Mathematics of Dialling, Historical Dials

Fathi Jarray
Eric Mercier
Denis Savoie

September 2021
Page 9

New Books (1)

Reviews two sundial inventory books by Dan-George Uza. The books cover sundials in North West Romania and Cluj County, respectively. The reviews note that the books provide colour pictures, descriptions, and geographical coordinates, serving as useful companions for dial hunting.
Book Reviews

Francis Tamarit

September 2021
Page 10

In the Footsteps of Thomas Ross. Part 36: Some East of Scotland Sundials

A continuation of the series following Thomas Ross, examining various sundials in the East of Scotland. Discusses the history, disappearance, and condition of dials in Hawick, Jedburgh, Ruchlaw House, Monkton House, Pitreavie (now Inveresk), Torryburn, and Cromarty.
Dials: Multi Faced, Dials: Vertical, Historical Dials, Mottoes

Dennis Cowan

September 2021
Page 17

The Winwick Hall Sundial

Details the project to convert a 30-foot telegraph pole at Winwick Hall into a large, highly visible outdoor sundial. The final design employs the vertical pole's shadow to cast time on 18-metre radius winter and summer arcs, prioritising fun and visibility over high accuracy for walkers.
Construction Projects, Dials: Unusual, Dials: Vertical

Sue Manston

September 2021
Page 20

Ancient Scandinavian Áttir: Time-Keeping Without Numbers

A guide to the ancient Scandinavian system of time-keeping using "áttir" (eighths of the horizon) and landmarks known as daymarks. It explains the Old Norse terminology (middag, miðnætti, undorn) and discusses why this non-numerical system was suitable for high latitudes where unequal hours were unviable.
How Sundials Work, Mathematics of Dialling, Historical Dials

Frank King

September 2021
Page 26

Light Spot Sundial

Introduces a novel equatorial sundial design that uses a moving light spot, rather than a shadow, to indicate time. The spot is projected onto a central cylinder via concentric rings with slits and holes. The design requires complex mathematical calculations for accurate sizing and component placement, ideal for large installations.
Dials: Equatorial, Mathematics of Dialling, Sundial Design & Layout

Eduard Masana

September 2021
Page 31

Postcard Potpourri 56: Liverpool

Focuses on a historical postcard depicting a vertical declining sundial (SRN 5665) located on the former Royal Insurance building in Liverpool. The card belongs to the "Lewis's Series," probably issued by the Lewis's department store during the late Edwardian period.
Dials: Vertical, Historical Dials

Peter Ransom

September 2021
Page 32

Welsh Language Inscriptions on Sundials

Examines the scarcity of Welsh language inscriptions on sundials, listing and describing nine known examples. Examples include historical vertical and horizontal dials, detailing their locations (Holyhead, Penmorfa, Whitford) and mottoes, such as "Man’s life, though prolonged it may / Draws to its close by night and day".
Historical Dials, Mottoes

Irene Brightmer

September 2021
Page 36

From Madeley Court to the Halfway House

Investigates a distinct cube sundial seen in the film "The Halfway House". The prop was a copy of the famous Madeley Court sundial. Close analysis confirmed it was a non-functional copy, likely based on a Wills’s cigarette card from 1928, and it was broken up after filming.
Dials: Multi Faced, Historical Dials, Dials: Cube, Dials: Scaphe

Graham Stapleton

September 2021
Page 38

Symbols Found on Scandinavian Sundials from the Middle Ages

Examines secular symbols used on Scandinavian sundials from the Middle Ages. Discussed symbols include the Pole Star, the Sun, a cock, and those relating to the farmer's life (like the axe). The article also analyses runic letters, such as the K-rune, used as noon marks or numerals, reflecting the mixed octaval and unequal hour systems.
Dials: Mass Dials, Dials: Portable, Historical Dials

Johan A. Wikander

September 2021
Page 43

Reader’s Letter

A letter describing a horizontal sundial found in the courtyard garden of Holme Pierrepont Hall. The dial plate is signed "Cary, Strand, London," shows the latitude 52° 58ʹ, and includes the equation of time. The author notes the challenge in dating the dial precisely due to the lack of a date and multiple Cary family makers.
Dials: Horizontal, Equation of Time, Historical Dials

Irene Brightmer

September 2021
Page 44

New Books (2)

Reviews "Le Gnomon du Méridien Cassini", a book detailing the history, theory, calculation, and construction of a meridian line in Perinaldo, Italy. The line, built as a gigantic camera obscura in the birthplace of G.D. Cassini, was completed in 2007.
Book Reviews, Dials: Noon Lines

Anthony Turner