How to tell the time using an 18th century sundial

Higgitt, Rebekah

How to tell the time using an 18th century sundial

Resource type

Video

Creator (Person)

Higgitt, Rebekah

ORCID

Date published

August 30, 2024

Abstract

The Ilay Glynne dial is a mechanical standing equinoctial ring dial (in other words, a sophisticated sundial). Our Principal Curator of Science, Dr Rebekah Higgitt, explains how it can be used to calculate the time. The Ilay Glynne dial was made around 1715 by Richard Glynne, a successful and well-regarded maker of mathematical instruments and a member of the Clockmakers’ Company. This is the most important surviving example of his work. It was used to measure local time from the Sun, providing the most accurate means of setting clocks available at the time. It’s also pretty impressive to look at, and was a bit of a status symbol in its time. It was commissioned by and belonged to Archibald Campbell, Earl of Ilay and later 3rd Duke of Argyll (1682-1761) who was a hugely influential figure in post-Union Scotland. He had control over royal patronage in Scotland, and managed Scottish affairs, making him a very powerful figure in the first half of the 18th century. He was a founder and the first governor of the Royal Bank of Scotland - you can still see his likeness on the £100 note today The acquisition of the Ilay Glynne dial was made possible with support from Art Fund, with a contribution from the Wolfson Foundation, National Heritage Memorial Fund, National Museums Scotland Charitable Trust and other generous donors in the United Kingdom and United States of America. It’s now on display in the National Museum of Scotland.

Material/media

video

Duration

49 minutes 29 seconds