Courtyard Sundials - established in 1998 - is the UK's largest sundial company with a range of over 60 different sundials in brass, slate, recycled materials and stainless steel. Many of these are hand crafted in our Somerset Sundial workshop where visitors are welcome NEW PRODUCTS: Click to see our RECYCLED SUNDIALS or RECYCLED CLOCKS
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| 7 different designs from £135 | 2 finishes from £1130 |
CLICK HERE TO SEE THESE DISPLAYED ON OUR LIVE WEBCAM | 6 different designs from £155 | 4 different designs from £70 | 6 different designs from £195 |
FREE UK DELIVERY & MONEY BACK GUARANTEE ON ALL OUR SUNDIALS< | 2 different designs from £40 | 3 different designs from £20 | 2 different designs from £20 |
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL SUNNY RANGE 9 different designs £95
can be engraved | 9 different designs from £170
includes engraving | 9 different designs from £170
includes engraving |
FREE UK DELIVERY & MONEY BACK GUARANTEE ON ALL OUR SUNDIALS | 4 different designs from £40 | 3 different designs from £35 |
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Sundials date from before 1500 BC Sun dials are an ancient method of telling time. The oldest known sun dial was constructed in Egypt around 1500 B.C. It was shaped like an L, and the length of the shadow cast by the vertical leg along the horizontal leg of the sun dial indicated the time. Which sundial is best for gardens Of the 8 types of garden sundials - horizontal and armillary are best suited for garden use. Horizontal garden sundials, the type commonly seen on pedestals, consist of a dial plate, marked in hour lines, and a "gnomon," the raised projection that casts a shadow. Armillary spheres, which look like large, open globes, have the hour band fixed in the plane of the equator; the gnomon takes the form of an arrow shaft set diagonally - the angle being determined by the latitude the dial is being used in - we set the angle to suit that latitude where our dials will be used. Other sundials don't work as well in the garden for various reasons. Vertical sundials need to be attached to a south-facing wall, and other types of fixed sundials (polar, analemmatic, reflected ceiling) are difficult to find commercially and can be hard to read. Portable sundials work well, but as their name implies, they need to be carried about. When choosing a site select a sunny, level spot. An armillary sphere set atop a stand draws the eye upward, so ideally you should position your armillary in the line of sight of an interesting feature, a path between flower beds or in front of a trellis or simply a wonderful view. Alternatively, use the armillary sphere as a focal point, with triangular garden beds and paths radiating out from it. And make sure you set a bench nearby, so you can rest while contemplating Sol's journey across the sky. Ornate or simple, a well-sited sun dial will draw the eye. When choosing a site select a sunny, level spot. An armillary sphere set atop a stand draws the eye upward, so ideally you should position your armillary in the line of sight of an interesting feature, a path between flower beds or in front of a trellis or simply a wonderful view. Alternatively, use the armillary sphere as a focal point, with triangular garden beds and paths radiating out from it. And make sure you set a bench nearby, so you can rest while contemplating Sol's journey across the sky. | 
