Scratch dial, The Church of St. Nicholas of Mira
Introduction
The photograph on this page of Scratch dial, The Church of St. Nicholas of Mira by Maigheach-gheal as part of the Geograph project.
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Image: © Maigheach-gheal Taken: 26 Jul 2010
Normally located near the south porch of old churches. Usually about six to ten inches across with radiating lines coming from a central hole. These were used by priests as clocks to determine the time for mass. A wooden peg known as a gnomon (Greek indicator) was placed in the hole and the shadow cast by the sun moved round the dial. When the shadow touched one of the radiating lines it was time for a mass. For a view of the church Image