St James’ Church, Swimbridge

For a dial which was made in 1755, this one has survived wonderfully well and is of the very high quality one associates with the Berry family. The date is right but the dial is unsigned so we cannot be sure of the maker. The slate has a break-arch shape with the date written across the arch and there is a sunburst round the gnomon root. It shows VI - VI divided into halves and quarters. Both the hour and half-hour lines have a fleur-de-lys decoration. A decorative cipher marks noon and 4pm is indicated by IIII. The dial measures 600mmw x 900mmh. The church, which belonged to the deans of Exeter Cathedral, has furnishings of a very high quality but we are more likely to remember one of the incumbents, the Rev. ’Jack’ Russell who gave his name to the dog breed.