This shot shows the interior of the porch of St Gregory's Minster, Kirkdale (see yesterday's shot for exterior), and above the door is a sundial, in a place where the sun never shines!
The sundial dates from around 1060AD, when the church was rebuilt. To the right and left of the sundial are carved inscriptions in Anglo-Saxon and are translated as follows by Historic England: "Orm Gamal's son bought St. Gregory's Minster when it was all broken down and fallen and he let it be made anew from the ground to Christ and St. Gregory, in Edward's days, the king, and in Tosti's days, the Earl. This is day's Sun marker at every tide. And Haworth me wrought and Brand, priests."
So for several hundred years the sundial faithfully displayed the time on sunny days, until around 1800AD when the porch was added to the church during a period of renovation and improvement, and the sundial has since then rested in the shade.
Thank you all for your comments and favs, it's always good to hear from you.
This church really is a hidden gem and well worth a visit. It's hard to imagine a building surviving as long as this has, and the many people and events that have happened there over the centuries. It's now a quiet haven in a busy life.
Ian
May 16th, 2019
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Thank you all for your comments and favs, it's always good to hear from you.
This church really is a hidden gem and well worth a visit. It's hard to imagine a building surviving as long as this has, and the many people and events that have happened there over the centuries. It's now a quiet haven in a busy life.
Ian