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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Scratch dial, The Church of St. Nicholas of Mira

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

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Image Location

coordinates on a map icon
Latitude
51.128947
Longitude
-1.933128