Sundials

A sundial is a device which helps tell the time from the shadow cast from the apparent position of the sun in the sky. It consists of a solid brass plate called the dial with a rising gnomon which casts a shadow on the dial. The sundial is principally cosmetic and cannot be relied upon for accurate timekeeping as the length of the show does vary according to the time of the year which necessitates a more complicated design to interpret, such as an armillary design. However, they do make a wonderful centre-piece, talking point and focal point in any garden.