Dials of Distinction - Number 18
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This dial is of particular interest to us all because of its association with Margaret Gatty, the author of one of the most popular books on sundialling. Her book, 'The Book of Sun-dials', was first published in 1872 and has become a firm favorite with dialling enthusiasts around the globe. Mostly a collection of sundial mottoes, the book was enlarged and re-published over subsequent years, and later editions contained expanded chapters on important sundials and sundial history. Margaret's husband, Alfred, was the vicar of Ecclesfield from 1839 onwards, and together they wrote various books on a wide variety of subjects. Margaret's own writings included, 'Parables from Nature', a collection of short stories for the young with illustrations, and the Aunt Judy series of childrens books. It is said that Lord Tenyson was an admirer of Margaret's work. The horizontal dial featured is in the churchyard at Ecclesfield, the parish town where Margaret spent most of her life. It is inscribed on the base with the motto 'Watch, for ye know not the hour', a motto that Margaret selected personally. If you want to find our more about Mrs. Gatty there are two splendid articles in the Bulletin. One is by David Young, Bulletin Issue 95.3 p41, and the other by Mike Cowham, in two parts, Bulletin 12 (ii) p76, and Bulletin 12 (iii) p149. |
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