Wimborne Minster astronomical clock

The Wimborne Minster astronomical clock is a medieval timekeeping device housed in the west tower of Wimborne Minster. It displays a blue-green Earth at its center, a rotating Sun to indicate hours, and a black-and-gold sphere that tracks the phases of the Moon.

The clock was created around 1320 by Peter Lightfoot, a Glastonbury monk. It underwent major modifications in 1695 and received new mechanical components in 1792 to maintain its function.

The astronomical clock displays how medieval people understood the universe, with Earth positioned at the center and the sun and moon orbiting around it. This geocentric model appeared in many old European churches, but this example shows the specific way astronomers and clergy represented the heavens in their time.

You can view the clock during regular church hours in the west tower of Wimborne Minster. Keep in mind that it is part of an active place of worship, so visitors should be respectful of any services or religious activities taking place.

The clock features a Quarterjack, a full-size Grenadier figure that was installed to replace the original quarter-striking monk during the Napoleonic Wars. This soldier figure remains a striking and unexpected detail in the medieval timepiece.