Last Saturday, my partner and I visited a historic site in Glasgow: the Govan Stones. After a bit of searching online, we decided it was the perfect place to explore and let me tell you, we were not disappointed!

The Govan Stones: A Treasure Trove of History

The Govan Stones are an incredible collection of carved stones from the early Middle Ages on display in the former Govan Parish Church in Glasgow. This place is a treasure trove of history dating back to the 9th-11th centuries AD. Among the stones is the magnificent Govan Sarcophagus, believed to commemorate St Constantine, son of the Pictish king Kenneth MacAlpin. The intricate carvings on these stones, which depict everything from hunting scenes to stylised animals, are simply mesmerising.

A walk through time

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

Ancient artifacts

The Govan Old artefacts are some of the oldest medieval sculptures in Europe. Amazingly, these Viking Age treasures have been in the Govan Old Churchyard for over 1,000 years. This exhibition shows a time before Scotland even existed, when warlords fought for control of the British Isles and Viking ships caused chaos on the coasts and rivers. Inside the church, the Govan stones give us a glimpse of the wealth and power of the last British kingdom in Scotland.

The cemetery

The church graveyard by the River Clyde has been around for around 1,500 years and has always been important to Christians in the area. Its teardrop shape is reminiscent of medieval cemeteries, which are not often seen any more. The original entrance is thought to have been on Pearce Lane, at the south-east corner, and was aligned with an ancient road that used to connect the church to Doomster Hill, an artificial hill where kings used to hold court.

People have been buried here since the beginning of Christianity in Scotland, but most of the gravestones you see today date from the 16th to 19th centuries, when Govan was booming with population and industry. By the 1900s, the cemetery was surrounded by shipyards, housing and workshops, all clustered along the river. But somehow, the cemetery has largely retained its original form.

In 1993, Historic Environment Scotland stepped in and made the churchyard and its headstones a Scheduled Monument, meaning they are now protected by law.

A look into the past

We spent a few hours marvelling at the detailed carvings on the stones and soaking up their 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 is 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 Govan neighborhood, which has its own atmosphere and history. But I'll talk more about that in my next post!

If you're ever in Glasgow, I highly recommend checking out The Govan Stones. It's a perfect combination of history, art and a touch of mystery. Plus, it's a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon with someone special.

Until next time, have a good trip!