Editing Exeter Cathedral (section)

===Astronomical clock===
[[File:Exeter Cathedral astronomical clock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.23|The astronomical clock; the upper minute dial is post-medieval.]]
The [[Exeter Cathedral Astronomical Clock]] is one of the group of famous 14th- to 16th-century [[astronomical clock]]s to be found in the west of England. Others are at [[Wells Cathedral clock|Wells]], [[Ottery St Mary#Church|Ottery St Mary]], and [[Wimborne Minster (church)|Wimborne Minster]].

The main, lower, dial is the oldest part of the clock, dating from 1484.<ref name=LFLT /> The [[fleur-de-lys]]-tipped hand indicates the hour (and the position of the sun in the sky) on a [[24-hour analogue dial]]. The numbering consists of two sets of [[Roman numerals]] I to XII. The silver ball and inner dial shows both the [[lunar phase|age of the moon and its phase]] (using a rotating black shield to indicate the moon's phase). The upper dial, added in 1760, shows the minutes.<ref name=LFLT />

The Latin phrase ''Pereunt et imputantur'', a favourite motto for clocks and [[sundials]], was written by the Latin poet [[Martial]]. It is usually translated as "they perish and are reckoned to our account", referring to the hours that we spend, wisely or not. The original clockwork mechanism, much modified, repaired, and neglected until it was replaced in the early 20th century, can be seen on the floor below. The door below the clock has a round hole near its base. This was cut in the early 17th century to allow entry for the bishop's cat to deter vermin that were attracted to the animal fat used to lubricate the clock mechanism.<ref name=LFLT />
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