The gnomon or pointer of the sundial is formed by the tips of two dolphins’ tails, which almost meet. The tails cast a shadow onto the dial plate, which is engraved with thick curved lines representing the hours. Thinner lines indicate 10-minute intervals between each hour.

The dial plate has curved lines rather than straight ones, to allow for the variations in the Sun’s apparent daily motion. The plate used in summer shows British Summer Time; that used in winter shows Greenwich Mean Time.

The mid-point between the dolphins tail-tips indicates the correct time.

Greenwich Park hosts the Prime Meridian Line and Royal Observatory as well as being part of the Greenwich Maritime World Heritage Site which is home to The National Maritime Museum and Old Royal Naval College.

The oldest enclosed Royal Park, Greenwich dates back to 1427 and offers spectacular views across the River Thames to St Paul’s Cathedral and beyond.

There has been a settlement on this site since Roman times, but Greenwich has always been strongly associated with royalty. Since the land was inherited by Henry V’s brother, generations of monarchs have taken this magnificent park to their hearts.

There is a large grassland enclosure, covering almost 13 acres which serves as a sanctuary for deer, foxes and birds.