Spherical dials

Verhildersum Manor, Leens

For many years, this sundial adorned the garden of the residence of the Royal Commissioner in the province of Groningen. In 1997 it finally returned to its region of origin.

The meridian arch, the rotating copper arch, serves to determine the direction of the sun. It consists of two wide strips, mounted close together so as to form a small slit. When the sunlight falls through the slit on the sphere, the time is read from the scale on the sphere's equator (right-hand picture).

Location: 53.4° N, 6.4° E

Verhildersum Manor was mentioned already in 14th century records. It was enlarged in the 17th century. Deterioration in the following century led to the pulling down of several wings. The remaining part was rearranged and provided with a new façade, which now gives it a harmonic, rural complexion.
The Manor presently is a museum, reviving the 19th century residence.

Concise website on Verhildersum Manor (in Dutch)
Sundials at Menkema Manor
Sundial at Fraeylema Manor