2-889-293 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sun-Dial, at Holyrood, 1850. Queen Mary's Sundial: "This famous sundial, one of the most interesting in Scotland, stands in the gardens of [the royal residence of] Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh, [Scotland]. It is a facet-headed dial and is set upon a hexagonal pillar mounted on steps. The facets are covered with hollows of various shapes, circles, triangles, hearts and quaint faces, which cast shadows to mark the hours; in one hollow, for example, the nose of a grotesque face forms the gnomon or marker, which throws the necessary shadows. This sundial is said to have been presented by Charles I to Queen Henrietta Maria, the sum of £408 15s. 6d., Scots, having been paid to John Mylne, Maisonne for the working & hewing of the diyell". From "Illustrated London News", 1850.