2010
SU0739 : Weather vane, Berwick st James
taken 14 years ago, near to Berwick st James, Wiltshire, England
Weather vane, Berwick st James
The word 'vane' comes from the Anglo-Saxon word 'fane', meaning 'flag'. Originally, fabric pennants would show archers the direction of the wind. Later, the cloth flags were replaced by metal ones, decorated with the nobleman's coat of arms. It was understood that shifts in the wind often indicated changes in the weather. Cardinal points were not added until several centuries later.
Weather vanes have always been more than just a wind direction device. Created by skilled craftsman, there is true artistic expression in the varied designs. Initially wood vanes were carved by carpenters or furniture makers, and iron, copper and tin ones were forged by the local blacksmith or tinsmith. In the 19th century weather vanes started to be mass-produced from moulds.
The clock appears to be correct.
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