Warwick Castle's historic sundial restored

Buy photos » The sundial being repaired at Warwick Castle. (s)

WARWICK Castle has had its historic sundial repainted for the first time in 60 years after being hit by one of the wettest summers for a century.

The incessant rainfall caused significant abrasion to the historic feature, which was originally erected in the 1700s.

The painting operation lasted several days and the sundial was restored to its former glory by last weekend.

The sundial was originally created to determine the time of day at the castle by using the position of the sun. The sun casts a shadow from its style onto a surface marked with lines indicating the hours of the day.

Tim Harrison Jones, manager of the castle, said: “Sundials existed long before we had the luxury of wristwatches and other modern timekeeping gadgets.

“We are particularly proud of ours as an important feature at Warwick Castle as it reflects the development both in style and form during a historical period.

“Perhaps renewing our dial will encourage the sun to come out a little more so our customers can enjoy the rest of the summer here."

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