Exeter Cathedral's astronomical clock is a marvel of medieval engineering, dating back to the 14th century. It's one of the oldest clocks in the world.
The clock's face is divided into 12 sections, each representing two hours, and it features a series of intricate carvings and statues. These carvings depict scenes from the Bible and everyday life.
The clock's most striking feature is its astronomical dial, which shows the positions of the sun, moon, and stars. This dial is a testament to the ingenuity of medieval clockmakers.
Exeter Cathedral's astronomical clock has been in operation for over 600 years, a remarkable feat considering the technology available at the time.
Explore further: Sun Dial Clock
History and Description
The Exeter Cathedral astronomical clock is a remarkable timepiece that has been keeping perfect time for centuries. It's estimated to have been built around 1484.
The clock's main dial is adorned with a beautiful fleur-de-lis that represents the Sun, which orbits the dial once every 24 hours to indicate the hour of the day. This is a classic example of a 24-hour analog dial.
The fleur-de-lis is quite clever, as it also points to the day in the lunar month on the inner numbered ring. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the clock's design.
The clock's mechanism is still housed in the clock-room behind the dial, which can be accessed through a doorway in the stone wall. This doorway has been there since the clock was first built.
Legend has it that the round hole cut in the bottom of the door was for the cathedral cat to gain entry and keep the clock clear of mice and rats. Who knew cats were such skilled clock technicians?
The clock's mechanism was modernized in 1885 by Gillett & Bland of Croydon, and it was restored again in 1910 by John James Hall FRAS. These restorations have helped ensure the clock continues to tick along smoothly.
The clock is also the supposed inspiration for the nursery rhyme "Hickory Dickory Dock", which is a fun fact to share with friends and family.
Astronomical Clock
The Exeter Cathedral Astronomical Clock is a remarkable timepiece that has been a part of the cathedral's history for centuries. The main, lower, dial dates from 1484.
The clock displays the hour of the day, the day of the lunar month, and the phase of the moon. The fleur-de-lys-tipped hand indicates the hour and the position of the sun in the sky on a 24-hour analogue dial.
The numbering consists of two sets of Roman numerals I to XII. The silver ball and inner dial show the age of the moon and its phase, using a rotating black shield.
The Latin inscription Pereunt et imputantur at the bottom of the lower dial is a favourite motto for clocks and sundials. It translates to "they perish and are reckoned to our account", referring to the hours that we spend, wisely or not.
The door below the clock has a round hole near its base, which legend has it was cut in the early 17th century, to allow entry for the bishop's cat to deter vermin.
Notable Features
Exeter Cathedral is a treasure trove of history and architecture, and its astronomical clock is a standout feature.
The clock's main dial dates back to 1484, making it a remarkably old and valuable artifact.
The clock displays the hour of the day, the day of the lunar month, and the phase of the moon, making it a fascinating time-telling device.
The modern clock mechanism was installed in 1885 by Gillett & Bland of Croydon, and restored in 1910.
A silver ball and inner dial show the age of the moon and its phase, using a rotating black shield.
The clock's upper dial, added in 1760, shows the minutes.
The Latin inscription "Pereunt et imputantur" at the bottom of the lower dial comes from the Roman poet Martial.
The door below the clock has a round hole near its base, which legend has it was cut in the early 17th century, to allow entry for the bishop’s cat.
Here are some notable features of Exeter Cathedral:
- The 18-metre-high bishop's throne in the choir was made from Devon oak between 1312 and 1316.
- The choir stalls were made by George Gilbert Scott in the 1870s.
- The Great East Window contains much 14th-century glass.
- There are over 400 ceiling bosses, one of which depicts the murder of Thomas Becket.
- Exeter Cathedral has the longest uninterrupted medieval vaulted ceiling in the world, at about 96 m (315 ft).
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