Scratch Sundials - St Nicholas - Barfrestone, Kent - Sundials on Waymarking.com

A number of scratch sundials are carved into the surround of the south doorway of St Nicholas' church, Barfrestone.

"The small church of St Nicholas in Barfreston (or Barfrestone) is one of the hidden gems of Norman architecture in Kent, possibly in all of England. In the medieval period, the village of Barfreston was a stopover place for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of St Thomas a Becket at Canterbury. That may account for the likeness of Becket carved on the south door, the first known representation of Becket in the country.

The tympanum and arches of the south door boast some of the finest Norman carvings in Britain. At the centre of the tympanum is a figure of Christ. At his feet are two mermaids, a gryphon, and a figure of a sphinx.

Above this figure are three semi-circular bands of carvings. The first is simply a band of leaves. The second contains 12 medallions, featuring strange beasts playing musical instruments. One theory is that the masons were inspired by popular bestiaries of the day."

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Sundial Type: Scratch dial Related Web Site: Not listed

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