There is a renewed interest in sun dials.  Part of the interest is a scientific desire to refine the art and technology of the ancient time pieces.  The other interest is a nostalgic desire to reflect back to a simpler quieter time.

Prehistoric man observed that he could measure time during the day by the length and direction the shadow cast by various objects.  This led to the use of a stick stuck in the ground in a vertical position.  The seasons of the year could also be indicated by the position of the shadow.

The sundial was developed independently by different civilizations around the world.  The Egyptians were the first Western civilization who developed the sun dial.  It was a “l” shaped device with marks for the hours.  The Greeks and Romans continued the development of sun dials.  They developed different forms including horizontal, vertical (wall clock), spherical, cylindrical, and portable sundials.

The art and science of sundials reached their peak in 1500 to 1800.  Sundials were used in both private homes and public places.  Sundials were relied on for business and social appointments so being a few minutes late was not a big problem.

After 1800 the sundial lost popularity due to the availability of reasonably accurate clocks and watches. 

The renewed interest started in the 1970”s.  The British Sundial Society was formed in 1989, and the United States Sundial Society was formed in 1994.

The Niagara Park Commission spent about $30,000, and used the latest technology, including an intricate GPS system to provide tourists with accurate time.

The new Table Rock clock tower displays a three foot diameter wall clock on each of its four walls.  The high humidity and mist near Horseshoe Falls imposes unique requirements.  Each clock has a heater and ventilation system.  A special computer system controls all of the clocks.  The computer automatically adjusts for daylight savings time.  It senses power outages, and automatically adjusts the time when the power is restored.  It has a GPS sensor that once each day checks with the satellites for the time signal, and if necessary makes minor corrections.

Clocks for Now sells Bradford clocks.

The Finest in American Craftsmanship
Bradford creates timepieces that embody the traditional American values of quality craftsmanship, performance, and durability that are part of our country’s heritage.

Clocks Made in the USA
Bradford proudly displays the made in USA symbol.  All Bradford clocks are assembled in the USA using the best clock movements and components available from United States and German suppliers.  All wooden clock cabinets are hand crafted using US #1 grade hardwood

The clock in the Salisbury Cathedral in Salisbury, England is believed to be the oldest continuously running clock in the world.

The Salisbury chiming clock was originally installed in the bell tower in 1386.  It resided in the bell tower until 1789 when the tower was torn down.

The clock now resides in the north nave aisle of the cathedral.  In the 622 years of operation the clock has ticked over 5,000,000 times.

The manufacture of clocks became a thriving industry during the 14th and 15th centuries.  Soon every city and town had to have its own clock.  The basic mechanism did not change during this period.  The development of better ways to produce the gears and other metal parts contributed greatly to the Industrial Revolution.

You can still find many of these giant old clocks in town centers and other important meeting centers.  Many modern civic and commercial facilities are incorporating wall clocks or pedestal clocks in their architecture.

Horology (literally the study of time) is the science of measuring time.  Clocks, time pieces, watches and chronometers are examples of instruments for measuring time.

Clock:  The word clock comes from Celtic words clagan and clocca which means bell. For horologist the word clock refers only to devices which use a sticking mechanism to announce time intervals caustically (chiming clock). Traditionally a silent instrument which lacked a striking acoustical mechanism was known as a timepiece.  In general usage today clock refers to any device which measures and displays time and is not worn on the person.