St Matthew’s Church, Cheriton Fitzpaine

This dial sited high on the porch is very large indeed,being about 1500mmw x 1200mmh. Why was such a large dial needed? Perhaps it had to be visible from the dwelling of some important person or maybe the parishioners all had poor eyesight. It is painted on sheet metal (probably mild steel) and is enclosed in a wooden frame. It declines 4° West and shows the hours VI to V divided down to five minute intervals. In 1954 it was sketched by Mrs Crowley who noted the word ’Warden’ on the dial plate though his name had disappeared. The gnomon is a replacement. The maker is said to be named Richards though his name does not appear on the dial which is thought to be of 19th century date.