Analemmatic dials

Williamson Park, Lancaster (England)

Public interest at the inauguration (July 2000)

This dial has been laid out on the platform of the old bandstand. The major axis of the hour-point ellipse is 5 meter (16 ft). The hour points widen into rather large plaques, made of a bronze-like resin-based material, which gives the dial a powerful visual impact.

The hour points indicate British Summer Time, from 6 to 8 (20) hr. The date line is made from the same material and is divided into the calendar months. The Equation of Time on the first day of each month has been added. In addition, a plate with the EoT graph is mounted at the top. A detailed information panel is set next to the platform. It includes a drawing of the old bandstand.
The picture above shows one more plaque, between the date line and the 1 o'clock point. Its message is still unknown.

Points for 8 and 9 o'clock Old bandstand

Date line with EoT added Two hour points (for 8 and 9 o'clock) are shown above, together with the drawing of the old bandstand from 1907. Alongside the date line is shown.

The "cold-cast bronze" does not stand the test of time well, noted Peter Ransom when he returned after less than a year. Actually, real bronze was his first choice, but not enough sponsorship money could be raised...



The plaques have been designed by students at Ripley St. Thomas College of Education and were made by artist Ray Schofield. He is sitting here amidst the elected designers.

The chosen

Thank you, Peter Ransom, for the pictures of the opening day and the additional information on the dial!

Website: Pictures of the inauguration
Location: 54.1° N, 2.8° W
Design: Students of Ripley St. Thomas (artwork), Peter Ransom (gnomonics)
Inauguration: July 2000

All pictures on this page are "Copyright © Peter Ransom 2000".