A little known feature of many of England's mediaeval parish churches is Scratch Dials or Mass Dials. They were essentially small sundials built into the South wall of churches, presumably to indicate the times of church services back in the days when most people were illiterate. Most of them have lost their indicating stick, so no longer work, and others have been moved to other walls, are upside down, or have been relocated to the North walls of churches.
The Sundial Society is compiling a list of all known scratch dials, so if you know of one, let them know!
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