Sundial In Formal Gardens Of Somerleyton Hall

The sundial in the formal gardens of Somerleyton Hall is an equatorial sundial, created around 1850 by John Thomas for Sir Morton Peto. It is made of brass and features a gilt Zodiac belt, which is supported by a sculptured marble pedestal approximately 2.5 meters high. The pedestal's capital is adorned with four heads with flowing beards, and below are four lions' heads that hold festoons of fruit and flowers. The sundial stands on a circular plinth with an octagonal base, raised on stone steps. It is listed for group value as a central feature of the formal garden, which was originally designed by Nesfield. Although a sundial is not specifically mentioned in his 'Plan of Details for the Enlargement of the West Parterre' dated October 1850, it forms part of a garden that is included in the HBMC County Register of Gardens at Grade II.