Sundial Column, York
An elegant 18th-century sundial column on stone lions, quietly marking time just east of York Minster in a peaceful corner of the cathedral precincts.
Standing just east of York Minster, this elegant 18th-century sundial column is a graceful blend of art and timekeeping. Resting on four stone lions and encircled by a bench, it was originally from Drakelowe Hall in Burton-on-Trent and moved to its current spot in 1955. The column’s intricate carvings and peaceful setting make it a quiet highlight of the Minster’s eastern precincts, inviting visitors to pause and reflect in the shadow of one of England’s greatest cathedrals.
A brief summary to Sundial Column
- College St, York, YO1 7JF, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is low to see the gnomon’s shadow clearly on the dial and to enjoy softer light for photography.
- Combine your visit with a walk through Dean’s Park for lovely views of York Minster’s east end and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Look closely at the carvings on the lions and column base; the details reward a slow, close inspection.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking from York Minster
From the east end of York Minster, follow the path east along College Street; the sundial column is about 40 meters away, clearly visible on the left in the open area near the Minster’s eastern precincts.
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Public transport to York city center
Take a train to York station, then walk about 15 minutes through the city center to York Minster; from there, proceed east along College Street to reach the sundial column.
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Bus to the city center
Use local buses to the city center stops near York Minster; from there, it’s a short, level walk east along College Street to the sundial column.
Sundial Column location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Sundial Column
A Timepiece in Stone
Rising about four meters tall near the east end of York Minster, the Sundial Column is a striking example of Georgian craftsmanship. The column itself supports a flat stone seat, which in turn rests on the backs of four recumbent stone lions, their forms both sturdy and decorative. Atop the column sits the sundial, its face marked with hour lines and designed to tell the time using the sun’s shadow cast by a central gnomon. Though not in constant use today, the dial remains a functional reminder of how time was once measured in public spaces, blending utility with ornamental elegance.From Burton to York
The column did not originate in York. It once stood at Drakelowe Hall, a historic estate in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire. In the mid-20th century, the Friends of York Minster arranged for its relocation to enhance the cathedral’s surroundings. Moved in 1955, the sundial was carefully re-erected on College Street, approximately 40 meters east of the Minster’s eastern end. This relocation preserved an important piece of architectural heritage and gave it a new life in one of England’s most celebrated ecclesiastical settings, where it now complements the grandeur of the Minster without competing with it.Setting and Surroundings
Positioned in the open space near the Minster’s eastern precincts, the column occupies a quiet, contemplative corner of the city. It stands close to the Dean’s Park area, where lawns and mature trees frame views of the cathedral’s eastern arm and its famous stained glass. The surrounding area is largely pedestrian, with York Minster itself dominating the skyline. The column’s location makes it a natural pause point for visitors exploring the Minster and its grounds, offering a moment of stillness amid the bustle of the city center.Design and Symbolism
The column’s design is both classical and symbolic. The four lions, a traditional motif of strength and guardianship, support the seat and dial, suggesting protection and permanence. The circular bench invites visitors to sit and rest, turning the sundial into a social as well as a timekeeping feature. The inscriptions and carvings, though weathered, reflect the craftsmanship typical of 18th-century garden and estate ornamentation. While not as ancient as the Minster itself, the column contributes to the layered history of the site, where centuries of architecture and landscape design coexist.A Quiet Corner of the Minster
Unlike the more crowded west front of York Minster, the eastern precincts around the Sundial Column are relatively tranquil, especially outside peak visiting hours. The area is often used for quiet reflection, photography, and as a vantage point for appreciating the Minster’s eastern elevation. The column’s presence adds a human scale to the monumental architecture nearby, reminding visitors that even in a place of such grandeur, there are intimate, personal spaces to discover. It is a fitting companion to the Minster: not a rival landmark, but a subtle, thoughtful addition to the cathedral’s story.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
