This sundial is a modern replica of the Mary Rose ones. It shows you the parts used to make a sundial.

1 A mirror, this was probably just for admiring your face in.

2 The lid.

3 This is the gnomon, it cast the sun's shadow on the dial.

4 The dial, this had the hours marked on it.

5 Compass, this was used to align the sundial, it has to point south to work. 		replica sundial

Can you think of times when a sundial wouldn't be any use for telling the time?

Although sundials may have been of some use for telling the time, they were more a symbol that the owner had the most up to date accessory, a bit like a mobile phone!