Govan Stones: Unveiling Glasgow’s Ancient History

Hello, fellow adventurers! Happy Sunday and welcome to the month of September.

Last Saturday, my partner and I visited a historical site in Glasgow—the Govan Stones. After a bit of online searching, we decided this was the perfect spot to explore, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

The Govan Stones: A Treasure Trove of History

The Govan Stones are an incredible collection of early medieval carved stones displayed at the Govan Old Parish Church in Glasgow. This site is a treasure trove of history, dating back to the 9th–11th centuries AD. The stones include the magnificent Govan Sarcophagus, thought to commemorate St. Constantine, the son of Pictish king Kenneth MacAlpin. The intricate carvings on these stones, depicting everything from hunting scenes to stylized animals, are simply mesmerizing.

A Walk Through Time

As we walked through the churchyard, we were transported back in time, imagining the lives of the Brittonic Kingdom of Strathclyde’s rulers, whose power and wealth these stones commemorate. The atmosphere was serene, and the historical significance of the place was palpable.

Ancient Artefacts

The artifacts at Govan Old are some of the oldest early medieval sculptures in Europe. Amazingly, these Viking-age treasures have been in the Govan Old Churchyard for over 1000 years! This exhibition shows a time before Scotland was even a thing, when warlords fought for control of the British Isles and Viking longships caused chaos along the coasts and rivers. Inside the church, the Govan Stones give us a glimpse into the wealth and power of the last British kingdom in Scotland.

The Churchyard

The churchyard by the River Clyde has been around for about 1,500 years and has always been significant for Christians in the area. Its teardrop shape is reminiscent of medieval churchyards, which you don’t see much anymore. It is thought that the original entrance was on Pearce Lane, over in the southeast corner, and it lined up with an ancient path that used to connect the church to Doomster Hill, a man-made hill where kings used to hold court.

People have been buried there since the very beginning of Christianity in Scotland, but most of the gravestones you see today are from the 16th to 19th centuries, when Govan was booming. with people and industry. By the 1900s, the churchyard was surrounded by shipyards, tenements, and workshops, all crammed along the river. But somehow, the churchyard has mostly kept its original shape.

In 1993, Historic Environment Scotland stepped in and made the churchyard and its gravestones a Scheduled Monument, which means they’re protected by law now.

A Glimpse into the Past

We spent a good few hours marveling at the detailed carvings on the stones and soaking in the rich history. The Govan Stones are not just a collection of rocks; they are a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of a bygone era. It’s fascinating to think that these stones have survived Viking raids and the passage of centuries to tell their story today.

Exploring Govan

After our visit, we strolled around the charming neighborhood of Govan, which has its own unique vibe and history. But more on that in my next post!

The highlight of this trip for me was the elderly man playing the piano in the church—so beautiful, it sounded absolutely heavenly.

If you ever find yourself in Glasgow, I highly recommend a visit to The Govan Stones. It’s a perfect blend of history, art, and a touch of mystery. Plus, it’s a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon with someone special.

You can read more about the Govan Architecture and History.

Until next time, happy new week!

#GovanStones #GlasgowHistory #TravelDiaries

These photographs were taken on August 24th, 2024.