GUILD OF CARTOGRAPHERS & NAVIGATORS: how to find North

James of Wanborough's way of finding North.

1. Place an upright pole in level ground. At frequent intervals around the middle of the day mark the point on the ground which coincides with the very end of the shadow of the pole. The point made thus which is closest to the pole will be exactly north of it.
2. As 1. above, but using the moon when bright enough to cast a shadow.
3. Place a pole in the ground and stand with your back to it at dawn. When the sun's disc first appears above the horizon, mark the ground (at a little distance) directly ahead of you when facing the sun. Repeat the exercise to mark the direction of the sun's setting from the same pole, ensuring that the mark is the same distance from the pole as the other. Mark a straight line along the ground joining the two marks. This line runs directly from east to west. The direction of north can be derived simply from this using a rope and a means of marking the ground. (I can give precise directions for this operation if it is not obvious). Note that this method is most suitable in flat areas where the horizon is in clear view, such as the fens or the Somerset Levels. Not suitable in forests or mountains.
4. On a moonless, clear, winter's night, observe any bright, easily identified, star (the Dog Star is ideal - directions for finding it can be given if required). Take a semi-disc of wood marked with small regular marks along the curved edge and suspend from its centre of curvature (i.e. the mid-point of the straight side) a weight on a string. Hold this object so as to keep the straight edge pointing at all times at the chosen star, and so determine (from the angle of the suspended weight) when the star is highest above the horizon. It will then be due south from the observer, and north will be exactly behind him.