Tool · English horizontal dial

Horizontal Dial by Humfrey Cole

Partially verified

This brass horizontal dial, measuring 180 mm by 180 mm, was crafted by Humfrey Cole in 1579. Designed for outdoor use, the square brass plate features four mounting holes for attachment to a pedestal, suggesting an original setting within a garden environment. The instrument face includes an hour ring calibrated from 4 to 12 to 8, with subdivisions for half-hours. Centrally positioned is a decorated compass rose indicating the eight principal cardinal directions. The gnomon is set at an angle of approximately 52 degrees, corresponding to the latitude of London. The plate is signed '+ H + C?le + + 1579 +' and bears the name of the original owner, Sir Henry Darcy, near the south point of the hour circle. Throughout its history, the surface has been subjected to weathering and retains various etched marks and names from subsequent users.

A horizontal dial, signed by Humfrey Cole, London, 1579. — Museum of the History of Science, Oxford. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.mhs.ox.ac.uk
Category: Tool · English horizontal dial
Maker / attribution: Humfrey Cole
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 51646
Source-reported date: 1579
Source-reported place: England

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Physical Construction and Design

The instrument consists of a square brass plate measuring 180 mm by 180 mm, designed for permanent outdoor installation. The plate features four pre-drilled holes at the corners intended for fixing the dial to a pedestal, a configuration that supports the interpretation of its original use in a garden setting.

The dial face displays an hour scale running from 4 to 12 to 8, marked with half-hour subdivisions. Integrated within the hour circle is an ornamental compass rose indicating the eight primary directions. The gnomon is oriented at an angle of approximately 52 degrees, which is consistent with the latitude of London where the object was manufactured.

Evidence for this section

“The square brass plate has four holes to enable the dial to be fixed to a permanent pedestal.”
“The angle of the gnomon is approximately 52?”
“Inside the hour circle there is a decorated compass rose marked for the 8 principal directions.”

Inscriptions and Signatures

The maker’s identity and the date of manufacture are clearly established through an engraved signature on the plate. The inscription, '+ H + C?le + + 1579 +', confirms Humfrey Cole as the maker during his period of activity in London.

The dial also carries a specific reference to its first owner, Sir Henry Darcy, whose name appears engraved beside the south point of the hour circle. This addition of an owner's name provides documentation of the dial's early provenance, linking it to

Evidence for this section

“The maker's signature is given as '+ H + C?le + + 1579 +'.”
“whose name is engraved beside the south point in the hour circle: '+Sur+Henry+darcy+'.”

Historical Context and Condition

Over the centuries, the instrument has undergone physical changes resulting from its exposure to environmental elements. It shows clear signs of weathering, which is consistent with its intended use on an outdoor pedestal.

Beyond environmental degradation, the surface bears evidence of human interaction occurring after its initial production. Various names and initials have been scratched into the brass, suggesting that subsequent owners or individuals encountering the instrument left their marks, adding layers of history to the original surface engraving.

Evidence for this section

“In the course of its history, the instrument has been not only weathered but also marked by subsequent owners or passers-by”
“various initials and names have been scratched on its surface.”

Open research questions

What is the identity of the various initials and names scratched onto the dial surface?
Does the 'C?le' signature variant provide insight into contemporary workshop practices?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Horizontal Dial by Humfrey Cole
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	Humfrey Cole	“Signed by Humfrey Cole”
Date	1579	“Dated 1579”
Dimensions	180 mm x 180 mm	“180 mm x 180 mm”
Owner	Sir Henry Darcy	“the Elizabethan owner of the dial , Sir Henry Darcy”
Gnomon Angle	Approximately 52 degrees	“The angle of the gnomon is approximately 52?”
Signature	+ H + C?le + + 1579 +	“The maker's signature is given as '+ H + C?le + + 1579 +'”

Visible details

Square brass plate with four corner mounting holes.
Hour ring calibrated from 4 through 12 to 8.
Central compass rose detailing eight directions.
Surface exhibits visible scratching and wear.

Research qualifications

The exact latitude for which the gnomon was intended is only approximately 52 degrees.
The authorship of all additional scratched initials remains unverified.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Horizontal Dial

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record c75ba01393

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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Horizontal Garden Sundial