Early Clocks
Sundials
Before clocks arrived in England, sundials were being used to tell the time. However, even after the arrival of early clocks, sundials were still very important during the late 16th and early 17th centuries because the earliest clocks were not always accurate, and they had to be reset regularly using sundials as a reference. Lantern clock makers would often sell their clocks, accompanied by a small brass sundial which are sometimes referred to as 'windowsill' sundials that were made by either the Clockmaker, a Scientific Instrument Maker or in some cases, if the budget allowed - by a London Mathematical Instrument Maker.
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James I, Period
Clockmaker's Sundial, c1620
The superb, historically interesting small provincial clockmaker's brass sundial illustrated here was made during the reign of King James I, in the early 1620s and is a very rare survivor. Measuring just 4.5-inch square, this anonymous horizontal dial (which can also be referred to as being a ‘windowsill’ sundial), is in a very complete and original condition, including retaining its original thin knife-edge gnomon with fringed back. It is about this fascinating early dial which is now over 400-years-old and its wonderfully historical background story that is the subject of my article which is revealed below and shown alongside stunning historic images from the period. Click here to see my full article which is shown alongside historic high quality images. Private collection, Photographed by Lee Borrett.
Edward Coolinge, dated 1625
London Sundial By
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Signed E.C and dated 1625, this wonderfully interesting early small 'windowsill' sundial was made during one of the most historically important years in the history of the British Monarchy. The dial was made in the same year as when the King of England, Scotland and Ireland, James VI and I, died on the 27th of March 1625 and was succeeded to the throne by his second son, Charles I on the same day. Following his succession Charles I, married Henrietta Maria, daughter of the King of France on the 1st of May 1625, by proxy at Notre Dame and in person at Canterbury the following month. This succession would eventually have devastating consequences throughout the entire land as an unpopular King Charles would go on to steer England into a brutal and bloody civil war which ultimately lead to his own death when he was executed outside the banqueting hall in Whitehall on the 30th January 1649. Recent investigations and research into the EC' dial by Dr John Davis of the British Sundial Society (BSS), found the dial hour numerals (inward facing) are punched rather than engraved as is common on these early dials. The small stars for the half-hours are also punched and the cross-pattée for noon is formed from two punched ‘I’s at right angles and denotes this dial was made by a professional Mathematical Instrument Maker as apposed to clockmaker as sets of punches were expensive and was far more time consuming to execute. The angles of the hour lines relative to the noon line were also measured by Dr John Davis who found them to be a latitude of 51.6° and comparable to the best mathematical instrument makers of the period – to a London latitude. Edward Coolinge has been identified as the possible maker for the EC',1625 sundial. This is by no means certain but since Edward Coolinge is the only London Mathematical Instrument Maker with those initials currently known to have worked at the right period - it makes him a very strong and the only realistic candidate as the dials possible maker. Click here to see my full article which is shown alongside historic high quality images. Private collection, Photographed by Lee Borrett.
Charles I, Period
Clockmakers Sundial, 1634
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The wonderfully original, early 17th century brass sundial shown here is believed to have been made by a provincial clockmaker and has some nice early features including retaining its original, thin brass knife-edge gnomon with its original fringed northern supporting plate. Interestingly, the dial is dated 1634 and was made in the same year as when King Charles I, from October 1634 onwards, levied ship money during peacetime and then extended it to the inland counties of England without Parliamentary approval. This provoked fierce resistance and was one of the grievances of the English propertied class in the lead-up to the English Civil War. Click here to see my full article which is shown alongside historic high quality images. Private collection, Photographed by Lee Borrett.
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Charles I
Period Sundial By
William Letchford, Dated 1647
A wonderfully original King Charles I period provincial sundial made in 1647 by William Letchford of Ridley, Kent. Measuring just over 2.8 inches square, this small horizontal brass sundial (sometimes referred to as a ‘windowsill’ dial), is historically interesting and survives complete with its original gnomon. The South point of the scale has been engraved with the initials W. L and dated 1647. The Northern point behind the gnomon has no noon-gap which is a typical feature on these early provincial dials. William Letchford has used Arabic numerals for his hour-marker engravings and a star shaped design for the half-hour markers. The original gnomon with its latitude angle of 51.3° has a fancily shaped fringed-back edge and is securely fixed in place by its original brass tenons. Interestingly, on close inspection William Letchford originally engraved the ‘4’ on the 1647 date - the wrong way round but corrected this by engraving another 4 on top - the right way up! He made his sundial in the year 1647 and during the brutal English Civil Wars period which was a very tough and difficult time for the people of England. Royalists and Parliamentarians were constantly trying to impress men into their armies. Both sides took horses, food, and other supplies for their armies. They forced people to provide free food and shelter to whichever troops turned up in their farm, village, or town. The year 1647 was a pivotal one for Charles I during the English Civil War, as he faced captivity and negotiations with his enemies while attempting to.... Click here to see my full article which is shown alongside historic high quality images. Private collection, Photographed by Lee Borrett.
Clockmakers Sundial, c1650
Cromwellian
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A rare mid-17th century anonymous 3.5 inch horizontal brass sundial with original gnomon. This sundial is English in design and was probably made by a provincial clockmaker who would have supplied it to the first owner along with a balance wheel lantern clock and the dial would have been used to reset the clocks correct time. This sundial was made in around the year 1650 and interestingly in September of that year and during the Third English Civil War, in the Battle of Dunbar, Parliamentarian forces under Oliver Cromwell's 'New Model Army' defeated the Scottish army, commanded by David Leslie. It was the first major battle of the 1650 invasion of Scotland, which was triggered by Scotland's acceptance of Charles II as king of Britain after the beheading of his father, Charles I in 1649. Click here to see my full article which is shown alongside historic high quality images. Private collection, Photographed by Lee Borrett.
Clockmakers Sundial
By Deodatus Threlkeld, 1709
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This very rare clockmakers sundial which has been signed by its maker is possibly the work of Deodatus Threlkeld , who was working in Newcastle during this time. The J. A. is probably the initials of the first owner and may well be for John Aynsley who was a close friend to Threlkeld for many years. Deodatus Threlkeld was born in 1657. Deodatus was apprenticed in Newcastle and is thought to have been trading for himself by 1680. He made the clock for All Saints in 1691 and was paid £42/3/0d., and engaged at an annual sum of 50/- to keep it in order. In 1703 he was paid a further sum for making the clock strike. He was known nationally and perhaps internationally for his clocks and watches. In 1698 he was challenged by William Prevost, a French clockmaker to see who could make the best clock, winner takes all; Ed. Burgis and Sam. Watson were the judges, Deodatus won. Deodatus. died a rich man in Feb.1733. Click here to see my full article which is shown alongside historic high quality images. Private collection, Photographed by Lee Borrett.
