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.
Until next time, happy new week!
Hey everyone! Last Sunday, after church, my partner and I decided to visit Springburn Park for a chill day out and to snap some fab pics of my lime green outfit.
Springburn Park is located in the north of Glasgow, Scotland. It’s about 2.8 miles from the city center and spans a whopping 31 hectares (or 77 acres!). This park is not just huge but also super pretty with its extensive spring and summer bedding, vibrant bulbs, wallflowers, and polyanthus. If you’re into plants and flowers, it’s definitely a must-visit!
The park has loads of facilities catering to everyone. Whether you're into sports or just looking to relax, you’ve got options like a synthetic football pitch with floodlights, a juvenile football pitch, a multi-purpose games court, three bowling greens, a cricket pitch, and even an orienteering course!
One cool feature is the Glasgow City Health Walks, which happen here. They’re perfect for anyone looking to get into walking as a gentle exercise. The routes are short, ranging from half a mile to two miles, and they’re mainly on flat ground, making them ideal for beginners. For more info on these walks, visit Glasgow city council.
Public toilets are available at the Bowling Pavilion (May to September), Stobhill Hospital, and Springburn Leisure Centre.
Fun fact: The park was first acquired by Glasgow Corporation in 1892. Back then, it was just agricultural land with an old ironstone pit and quarry. It was developed with contributions from Sir James Reid and his family, and even had a Winter Gardens built, thanks to a generous donation. Although the Winter Gardens are currently closed due to structural issues, there are plans to restore them.
The winter gardens at Springburn park
I visited Sighthill Cemetery on a Sunday evening because the sun was still shining bright and beautiful. I really wanted to take photos of the cemetery, read about it, and share all this info with you guys on the blog. And I'm so glad I finally did it after passing by here like 100 times already. It was such an adventure!
And there’s also Duncan Brown, a really talented amateur photographer who lived from 1819 to 1897. His work gives us a peek into what life was like in Glasgow from the 1850s to the 1890s. Isn’t that just fascinating?
Notable burials:
Andrew Bonar (1810–1892), Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland
Thomas Barclay (1792–1873), Principal of Glasgow University
James Hedderwick (1814–1897), newspaper editor
Robert Jamieson (1802–1880), Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
John Mitchell (1786–1881) was a Glasgow merchant and ship owner, known as "the Father of the Glasgow Town Council".
John Mossman (1817–1890), sculptor
William Mossman (1793–1851), sculptor
James Seaton Reid (1798–1851), Irish-born academic
Sarah West (1790–1876), actress
William Rae Wilson (1817–1893), social reformer
Total identified casualties: 116
Hours: Open 24 hours
The Old Swinger swing bridge is located on the Glasgow branch of the Forth and Clyde Canal at North Canal Bank Street in Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
This is a decommissioned single-track swing bridge that once carried the Port Dundas Branch (Caledonian Railway) over the Forth and Clyde Canal from north Port Dundas Mid Wharf over the canal to North Spiers Wharf. The span swung from its south end.
There was a small goods shed on the north wharf Port Dundas Goods [CR] immediately to the north that was rail served.
There was a short siding at the southeast end of the bridge, approached from the southeast and on the north side of the line. This was to serve an oil store.
The bridge remained closed after falling into disuse as the canal was also out of use. It is now fixed open, having been restored in the 2000s.
The base of a signal post remains nearby on the north bank of the canal.
A double lifting road bridge is just to the east. Nearby is a beached barge that was recovered from the basin.
- Observe the aquatic action or cheer on your favorite athletes from our 600-seat spectator area.
- The Sauna & Steam Room, or Exercise Studio are ideal places to unwind after a rigorous workout.
- Our on-site cafe offers a variety of dining options to satisfy your hunger.
