THESE sundials of Hurworth are baffling me. This morning's Memories tells the story of the village's most famous son, William Emerson. When writing his mathematical textbook about sundials, which was published in 1770, Emerson was said to have made 30 or more which he put all over the village to test his theories.

The only authentic sundial that is said to remain is that on the Bay Horse pub. However, when I looked at the close-up photo of it printed in this morning's paper, for a horrible moment I thought the date on it read "1793". Emerson died in 1782 so, unless time-travelling was a hitherto unrecorded skill, he couldn't possibly have made the dial.

One of my sub-editors has saved me, though. The caption to the picture points out that you could also read the date as 1739. That is, I think, a little early - it is said that Emerson's transformation from drunken idle to mathematical genius only came about after his wedding in 1735 - but nevermind as the dates do just about tally.

We move on along the river into Neasham, where there is an Emerson House which has an elderly-looking sundial on it. It is perfectly conceivable that over the centuries, someone rescued an Emerson dial and carried it to Neasham (we should congratulate them), but I have yet to see even the merest passing reference to whether or not it is a genuine Emerson. Can anyone validate it?

Then back into Hurworth, up to West End by the cornershop. Here there is a fine sundial, dated 1772, giving Hurworth's latitude (54.34) and with the maker's name: "C:Hunter".

John Hunter was Emerson's friend and pupil. This is obviously his dial. But I still don't understand the "C:" bit.

This dial also presents an intriguing dilemma. Over time, the other dials have had whitewash slapped over them and their black markings picked out.

The West End dial may well have the remains of its original colouring, particularly with letters picked out in a browny colour (a faded gold?). How should it be restored.

And what other sundials are there kicking around the area?