Ten metres wide and perfectly placed. That’s the Millennium Sundial in Greenwich. We’re standing right in front of it.
This magnificent sundial wasn’t just plopped here. It’s a celebration. A celebration of the new millennium. It also marks zero degrees longitude. It’s more than just a timepiece. It’s a precise astronomical instrument. It’s a statement of precision.
Christopher St J H Daniel designed this beauty. He wasn’t just any designer. After a life at sea he became a curator. He worked at the National Maritime Museum. There he became a sundial expert. He even designed another sundial nearby. Look closely and you’ll see his work in the Royal Observatory grounds too. Dolphins tell the time there.
The Millennium Sundial isn’t overly complicated in design. It’s most accurate during the summer months. But that simple design is deceiving. It serves two purposes. It shows the time. It also shows the sun’s position. See the large compass in the centre? That’s key. The hours are marked around the edge. The three-metre-high bronze gnomon casts the shadow. The vertical part of the gnomon shows the sun’s position on the compass. The sloping part tells you the time. Just extend the shadow visually. Remember though. It shows Greenwich Mean Time. In summer you need to add an hour.
This isn’t just a simple sundial. It’s a testament to human ingenuity. It’s a precise scientific instrument. It’s a piece of art in a beautiful location. It’s a symbol of the new millennium. It’s a reminder of the passage of time. And it’s a fascinating thing to see. Take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship. Appreciate the ingenuity. This sundial is a masterpiece. It’s perfectly situated. It offers a glimpse of precision and elegance. Don’t forget to add that extra hour in summer.