The clock at Exeter showed the hour of the day and the age of the moon,
and upon the face or dial were two circles, one marked from 1 to 30 for
the days of the month, and the other figured I to XII twice over for the
hours. In the centre was a semi-globe representing the earth, round
which was a smaller ball, the moon, painted half gold and half black,
which revolved during each month, and in turning upon its axis showed
the various phases of the luminary that it represented. Between the two
circles was a third ball representing the sun, with a fleur-de-lys which
pointed to the hours as the sun, according to the ancient theory, daily
revolved round the earth; underneath was an inscription relating to the
hours:
PEREUNT ET IMPUTANTUR
(They pass, and are placed to our account.)
The notes telling the hours were struck upon the rich-toned bell named
"Great Peter," which was placed above, the curfew or _couvre-feu_
("cover-fire") being also rung upon the same bell.
The curfew bell was formerly sounded at sunset, to give notice that all
fires and lights must be extinguished. It was instituted by William the
Conqueror and continued during the reign of William Rufus, but was
abolished as a "police regulation" in the reign of Henry I.
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