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<< Our Photo Pages >> The Govan Stones - Museum in Scotland in North Lanarkshire

Submitted by Anne T on Sunday, 12 March 2023  Page Views: 39465

MuseumsSite Name: The Govan Stones Alternative Name: Govan Old Church
Country: Scotland County: North Lanarkshire Type: Museum
Nearest Town: Glasgow  Nearest Village: Govan
Map Ref: NS55346590  Landranger Map Number: 64
Latitude: 55.864503N  Longitude: 4.313122W
Condition:
5Perfect
4Almost Perfect
3Reasonable but with some damage
2Ruined but still recognisable as an ancient site
1Pretty much destroyed, possibly visible as crop marks
0No data.
-1Completely destroyed
5 Ambience:
5Superb
4Good
3Ordinary
2Not Good
1Awful
0No data.
5 Access:
5Can be driven to, probably with disabled access
4Short walk on a footpath
3Requiring a bit more of a walk
2A long walk
1In the middle of nowhere, a nightmare to find
0No data.
5 Accuracy:
5co-ordinates taken by GPS or official recorded co-ordinates
4co-ordinates scaled from a detailed map
3co-ordinates scaled from a bad map
2co-ordinates of the nearest village
1co-ordinates of the nearest town
0no data
5

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AstroGeologist visited on 3rd Jul 2019 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 5 Gobhain : A fantastic collection of First Millennium Carved Stones. Of particular interest are the : °SUN STONE ; Thought to be a repurposed Neolithic Standing Stone, this weathered Sandstone Menhir is nearly 1.7m tall. On one side there is a carved cross with Celtic style knotwork, below this is a Man hunting on a Horse (Similar to the ones seen on the Jordanhill Cross shaft and the Govan Sarcophagus) On the opposite side of the stone is a Spiral Boss from which four Snakes swirl around it. Below this is a fret pattern carved into a square panel. The stone tapers towards a tenon at the top. °SANDSTONE SARCOPHAGUS ; Officially this is said to have belonged to the 9th century Pictish King "Constantín Mac Cináeda", now called "Constantine I". Some though think it may have belonged to a Brittonic Chieftain of Alt Clut called "Artur MacAeden", who died in the 6th century and later inspired the King Arthur stories. When it was re-discovered in 1855 it had no lid and was empty. Possibly emptied by the Vikings after they settled the area, or perhaps it was emptied centuries before or after, we will never know. This is unique in that is the only pre-norman Sarcophagus in Briton. Fantastic to look at in photo's, different ball game seeing it up close though. The carvings are superb, although the man on the horse is looking a little worse for wear when compared to older photographs. °5 VIKING HOGBACKS : The largest collection of Hogbacks outside of Brompton. 4 of these are the largest Hogbacks discovered to date (Each weighing 1/2 ton) the other smaller one was loaned to the British Museum for the 'Vikings : life and legend' exhibition in 2014, although it is back home now. Known Hogback sites : There is one Hogback in Eire, one in Wales, several sites across Scotland and a lot of sites found around the Yorkshire area. *Getting There ; A 2 minute walk from Govan Subway station. Come out the station and keep walking along Govan Road without turning, (Heading NW) you'll pass Water Row & Pearce Street before seeing the entrance way to the church on your right hand side.

Bobeds visited on 1st Jan 2019 - their rating: Cond: 5 Amb: 5 Access: 5

Anne T visited on 29th Oct 2018 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 5 Access: 5 The Govan Stones, Govan Old Church: We only found out about this exhibition/display through a chance email to Glasgow Life, enquiring if St Mungo's Museum of Religious Life and Art next to Glasgow Cathedral had any early Christian stones we could see and photograph. They replied 'no' but told us about The Govan Stones. With only a few days to go before the exhibition closed for the winter on 31st October, we rushed to see it at the first opportunity, and were blown away! We spent about 2 hours here, wandering around, looking at the stones, hogbacks and the sarcophagus. A guide joined us for part of our visit and put on special lights in which to view the sarcophagus. I photographed most of the stones, and am still trying to find out more about each one. This exhibition deserves to be much, much wider known than it currently is. It is the best display of early Christian stones that we've seen to date, and I would go again in a heart-beat. Very, very highly recommended indeed. Since my visit, I've been in touch with Govan Heritage Trust to find out more information about the stones. They have been immensely helpful and even provided some of the photographs for submission here.

joedkins visited on 19th Jun 2011 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 4 This is a Victorian church but it contains over 30 superb carved stones and a carved sarcophagus dating from around 10th century or earlier. They were taken from the churchyard. The boundary of the churchyard is curved, showing the site was originally a Celtic religious site. The quality of the stone carving (hogbacks, Celtic knots, mounted figures, snakes) is so good that it is thought they were monuments to kings of Strathclyde. There is limited opening - Wed, Thurs, Sat during summer monts. See http://www.govanold.org.uk/

Rkphenix visited - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 2 Access: 5



Average ratings for this site from all visit loggers: Condition: 3.6 Ambience: 4 Access: 4.8

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by dodomad : Lost carvings of the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde turn up in Govan Graveyard A community archaeology dig in Govan has uncovered long-lost gravestones from the Middle Ages, when the area was a political and religious power centre on the Clyde. Volunteers on the ‘Stones and Bones’ community dig set out in search of a set of lost gravestones in the graveyard of Govan Old Parish Church... (Vote or comment on this photo)
Top photo is from a previous stone uncovering. Crosses, cross slabs, hogbacks and a sarcophagus in Govan. “Arguably this is the most significant single collection of Viking Age sculpture in Britain and Ireland.” - Stephen Driscoll, Professor of Historical Archaeology, Glasgow University. Anne T has visited and photographed most of the Govan Stones for our page.

The Govan Stones is a unique and remarkable collection of early medieval stones carved between the 9th-11th centuries to commemorate the power of those who ruled the Kingdom of Strathclyde. One of Glasgow’s most important historical and cultural assets.

Explore the 31 monuments within the beautiful setting of Govan Old Church, home to the Govan Stones which include crosses, cross slabs, 5 of the largest and most complete hogback stones in the UK & the Govan Sarcophagus.

For more information click on: The Govan Stones for their website;
Address: 866 - 868 Govan Road, Govan, G51 3UU;
Phone: 0141 440 2466;
Opening Hours: 1pm-4pm every day, April 1st to October 31st each year;
Admission: Free.
For group visits and guided tours, please email 'info@thegovanstones.org.uk' in advance of your visit.

Lost carvings of the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde are uncovered in Govan Graveyard. Final day of tours, workshops and events this Saturday while the dig is on. More below on our page.

Note: Early medieval Govan Stone rediscovered, more on our page
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The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by joedkins : Carved cross in Govan Old Church, Glasgow (3 comments - Vote or comment on this photo)

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by joedkins : Hogback stone in Govan Old Church, Glasgow (Vote or comment on this photo)

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by joedkins : Sarcophagus in Govan Old Church, Glasgow (Vote or comment on this photo)

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by joedkins : Govan Old Church, Glasgow Location of hogback stones, carved crosses, carved sarcophagus (Vote or comment on this photo)

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : Photograph of one of the long sides (northern side) of the sarcophagus, displayed in the chancel of Govan Old Church. Photograph kindly provided by the Govan Heritage Trust. Reference: Govan 1, Canmore 353047. (Vote or comment on this photo)

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : Photograph of three of the five hogbacks displayed in the north transept of Govan Old Church. Photograph kindly provided by the Govan Heritage Trust.

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : This is Govan 34, also recorded as Canmore 353221, displayed against the north wall of the nave, and is the western-most of the slabs, not far from the Cuddy Stane and at the entrance to the corridor leading to the toilet. The foot of the stone is missing, and this slightly tapered slab is framed by a plain border within which is a roll moulding. The cross has circular armpits. 'The side-arms and ... (1 comment)

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : The base of the Govan 17 cross shaft, showing the rectangular panel of triangular/angular interlacing. I've not seen this feature before on 10th/11th cross shafts, but there are several examples at Govan.

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : Close up of some of the ring knots on Govan 17 (top right hand side of the slab, next to the brackets holding the cross slab).

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : This is Govan 13, displayed in the Baptistry of the church (eastern wall). It is dated to the 10th/11th century. With a broken base, it measures 1.32m long, 0.68m wide and 0.19m deep. See Canmore 353182. The cross and incised interlacing are particularly deeply carved. The top of the slab has higher relief angle knobs at each corner.

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : The large and impressive Govan 11, which is dated to the late tenth century. Also recorded as Canmore 353180, the concave portion of the back is thought to have been created by sharpening blades along the top (though probably to have been scythes used to cut the graveyard).

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : Close up of the large, square panel at the bottom of Govan 7, which: "which contains a well-designed ring-knot with wide median-incised cords." See Canmore 353109. Dated to the 10th/11th century.

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : This is Govan 7, on the north wall of the nave, third slab from the west end. It is dated to the 10th/11th century and recorded as Canmore 353109. It is classed as belonging to the 'angle knob group'. Canmore says: "There appear to be traces of ornament on the shaft, but the cross-head has been defaced to take the inscription 'R .D' over 'WILLm BOGLE' indicting the slab was probably re-used twice.

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : Part of the southern side of Govan 1, the sarcophagus displayed in the chancel. I had to move into the side chapel to photograph this side. The Govan Heritage Trust have installed special lighting to help visitors see and appreciate the fine carvings. The animals in the centre of the photo have knotted tails (Govan and its Carved Stones, Anna Richie, page 10).

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : The northern face of Govan 1, Canmore 353047, displayed in the chancel. It was discovered in 1855 whilst digging graves in the south eastern corner of the graveyard. Originally displayed outside, it was brought into the church in 1908. Highly ornamented, it is dated to the late ninth/early tenth century.

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : The reverse side of Govan 4, The Sun Stone, which Canmore353106 tells us: "The cross spans the width of face A, with its upper arm extending to the top of the slab; it is an outline cross with a roll moulded border, and it is filled with interlace carved with a median incised cord. Two-cord twist using median cord fills the spaces beside the cross, and beneath, carved in false relief, is a horse ...

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : One side of the Jordanhill (or Govan) Cross, showing its panels decorated by elaborate interlace - the work of a master sculptor.

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : Close up of the horse and rider on the Jordanhill Cross. The rider is said to be wearing a hood. This cross is also known as the Govan Cross and 'lived' for over 100 years in the garden of a private house before being returned to Govan Old Church.

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : The modern replica of the Jordanhill Cross, just outside the western railings of the churchyard.

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : Displayed just to the west of Govan 32, this slab is remarkably similar, also bearing the initial T H over A H in its upper arm. This is Govan 38, also recorded as Canmore 353225. The cross slab is described by Canmore as: 'This almost rectangular slab has a plain border and a plain stout cross set against a background of interlace patterns composed of median-incised cords.'

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : Displayed on the south wall of the nave, fourth slab from its western end, this is Govan 35, also recorded as Canmore 353222. Canmore describes it as: 'One of the angle-knob group of slabs, this example tapers slightly towards the foot and the knobs rise from a wide plain margin. The cross appears to have been plain, apart from an inner line now only detectable on the side-arms, which extend out t...

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : The tapered base of Govan 33 showing the rectangular panel of heavy interlaced work, now much weathered.

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : Displayed against the south wall of the Baptistry, this is Govan 33, measuring 1.74m high, 0.55m wide and 0.22m deep. It is also recorded as Canmore 353220, and described as 'extremely weathered and broken into two with a fragment missing … This slab tapers from head to foot, with a raised border and traces of very heavy interlaced work."

The Govan Stones
The Govan Stones submitted by Anne T : Govan 32, recorded as Canmore 353211. It measures 1.83m high, 0.65m wide and 016m deep. It is displayed on the south wall of the nave, third cross slab west of the Baptistry. Both Govan 38 and this slab have the initials T A A H inscribed on them. Described as a 'neatly executed rectangular slab with a plain border and rounded ends."

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New discovery of Early Medieval Govan Warrior stone by davidmorgan on Tuesday, 03 October 2023
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An archaeological dig at Govan Old Churchyard led by the University of Glasgow’s Professor Stephen Driscoll and Clyde Archaeology revealed a remarkable new find: an early medieval carved stone of a warrior figure, quite unlike any others discovered at this ancient site, which is celebrated for the richness of its Viking-age sculpture.

The stone portrays a man side-on carrying a round shield and a shaft over their shoulder. The man is probably carrying either a sword or a spear and can be described as a warrior. While much of the warrior’s face has been damaged since it was carved over a thousand years ago, remarkable details suggest a flowing ponytail and a sharply pointed beard.

Govan Old is the home of the Govan Stones museum, which contains one of the finest collections of early medieval and Viking-age sculpture in Europe. A collection of over 30 sculptures produced by the Viking-age Kingdom of Strathclyde, a lost kingdom of Old Welsh-speaking Britons who dominated the Clyde valley from the 5th - 11th centuries AD.

The new find found on Saturday 16 September 2023, currently nicknamed the ‘Govan Warrior’, is exceptional for its quality even amongst the superb existing collection, which includes the unique Govan Sarcophagus, the Govan Cross and five hogback gravestones, a Scandinavian-style funerary monument that dates to the 9th/10th centuries.

The Govan Warrior is unique within the existing collection due to its stylistic characteristics, which has drawn parallels with Pictish art and carvings from the Isle of Man. Unlike the other stones in the Govan collection, whose chunky style of carving is so distinctive that it has been described as a school of carving in its own right (the ‘Govan School’), the Govan Warrior is lightly incised, which may bring parallels with famous Pictish stones like the Rhynie Man from Aberdeenshire.

The Excavations at Govan Old have been undertaken by the University of Glasgow under the leadership of Professor Stephen Driscoll, also a Trustee of Govan Heritage Trust, the custodians of Govan Old church since 2016. The Govan Warrior stone was discovered during a community fun day organised as part of Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival, co-ordinated by Glasgow Building Preservation Trust.

Over 500 people visited the site over the weekend and dozens of volunteers from the Govan community participated in excavations for the first time, alongside archaeology students from the University of Glasgow and Clyde Archaeology.

Professor Stephen Driscoll said: “It’s a style that makes us think both about the Pictish world and also about the Isle of Man and it’s interesting that we are halfway between these two places. Govan is the ideal place for these two artistic traditions or styles to come together.

“This is probably the most important find that I’ve made in my 30 years of working at Govan Old. The new stone is very exciting because it takes the collection to a different cultural place as it does not look like the heavier and chunkier ‘Govan School’ style. The new stone is much more delicate in its execution using finer shallow incisions.”

Source: University of Glasgow.
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Early medieval Govan Stone rediscovered by Andy B on Sunday, 12 March 2023
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As part of their open weekend and excavations - news just in that It looks like the archaeologists and volunteers have re-discovered one of the early medieval Govan Stones from the Viking-Age Kingdom of Strathclyde. Watch Prof. Stephen Driscoll and Frazer at this wonderful rediscovery!

Video here: https://twitter.com/GovanStones/status/1634937168648089602
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evidence suggests the locale occupied an important Bronze Age landscape by Andy B on Sunday, 11 September 2022
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Govan Stones write: We have a 1,500-yr-old graveyard, but evidence suggests the locale occupied an important Bronze Age landscape, probably replete with standing stone(s) and monumental burial mound; we think our Sun Stone and Doomster Hill were early medieval adaptations of these!

https://twitter.com/GovanStones/status/1568871422122168320
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Re: The Govan Stones by Hatty on Wednesday, 10 April 2019
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It sounds like the archaeologists of Glasgow are guessing somewhat wildly about the carvings. Nobody knows if the carvings were done in the ninth or the nineteenth century. There used to be a school here.

Admittedly 'Viking' sounds so much better than Victorian but such loose talk should be discouraged until or unless they produce evidence. Despite the lack of archaeological evidence, is there a historical record to support Driscoll's claims?
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    Re: The Govan Stones by Anonymous on Tuesday, 16 April 2019
    Frazer from the Govan Heritage Trust writes:

    Hi Hatty, thanks for your comments. Yes the stones rediscovered fit very closely with the, well-researched, collection of Early Medieval stones displayed within Govan Old, the 3rd largest collection of sculpture from this period in the UK. Although the headlines inevitably hit onto the Viking connection (due to the collection of massive hogbacks held inside), Viking-Age was probably how they were described to the press.

    Govan Old has a fairly well evidenced Early Medieval foundation, with carbon dating from boundary ditches and skeletal remains, indeed the earliest burials found so far are 5th/6th century.

    You do make a good point though, you have to be careful about misidentifying the dates of these discoveries. Of the 3 stones rediscovered, 2 of them look to be Early Medieval, following very closely the school of sculpture which has become identified with Govan, Dumbarton, Inchinnan and the Kingdom of Strathclyde. The third looks to be similar in style to later medieval monuments from the region.

    To confuse things further we have post-medieval re-use of these earlier monuments, a practice well attested at Govan between the 17th and 19th centuries. The inscriptions are clearly not 10th century, but fascinating in their own right. We have lots of questions about who felt entitled enough to lay claim to the ancients stones (the evidence points towards our heritor families) and also the selection of monuments for reuse containing both linear and elaborate crosses, when this was no longer in favour as a monument style, post-reformation.

    Hope this clears up your questions. Frazer, Govan Heritage Trust
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    Re: The Govan Stones by Hatty on Wednesday, 17 April 2019
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    Hi Frazer,

    I'm puzzled about the "fairly well evidenced Early Medieval foundation". Is there evidence of anything ecclesiastical? Boundary ditches and skeletons simply show the fact that people lived and died in the area.

    According to Stephen Driscoll, the church 'provides Glasgow with its origin myth' which is tantamount to saying the Early Medieval bit of its history is mythical. That's the archaeology; the written record is even more invisible. Driscoll points out that 'in the absence of contemporary historical material' there is no evidence of a church at Govan before the twelfth century.

    The date of Govan's present church is 1888 so one has to assume the 'Viking-Age' stones, hitherto unmentioned in any record, are coterminous i.e. late nineteenth century, when the newly coined Vikings were all the rage. Remember, stone itself is undateable and historians when pressed admit the carvings have been dated only 'by eye'. That is simply guesswork, not scientifically corroborated, and an 'Early Medieval' date cannot, should not, be presented as factual evidence.

    More research into when the carvings were discovered, and by whom, would no doubt solve the dating mystery.
    [ Reply to This ]
      Re: The Govan Stones by Anonymous on Thursday, 18 April 2019
      Frazer Capie from the Govan Heritage Trust writes:
      Hi Hatty, nice to see this is of particular interest to you. I'm talking about the boundary ditches and burials within a fairly huge curvilinear graveyard (tested and dated scientifically) containing a huge collection of early medieval sculpture, which contains 6th century (dated burials) in close proximity to the rubble foundations of what look like a pre-Norman building. How do we know this is a pre-Norman building? It is a best guess given that it is directly in the middle of a nationally important churchyard, in a regionally important parish, with early Christian burials sitting about a foot from it. Not much of a stretch given that we have historical evidence of 4 churches from the medieval period onwards, none of which would have employed un-mortared boulder foundations.

      The sculpture has been continuously studied, debated and has produced numerous, worthy publications, particularly in the last 30 years. New techniques such as photogrammetry has also been revealing quite a lot about the sculpture and sculptors during the last few years. People may need to wait until that excellent PhD is published before you can get the full details. Govan Old will hopefully have a taster talk on it soon if you keep an eye on social media.

      I take your point about the problematic nature of art-historical dating of Early Historic stone sculpture, there is often over a century of variance in interpretation between researchers. However, it is a bit of a circular argument. There are a lot of stone artefacts from the past from all over the world. Many of them are ancient, many of them Victorian. We don’t claim that they all come from the 19th century because larger numbers of people started becoming more interested in the study of archaeology during the 19th century.

      This isn't a blanket response for all early medieval foundation claims. I am talking specifically about Govan Old, not the many other sacred sites with claims, some valid and some without evidence, for early foundations. Inscriptions, artefacts, burial evidence, historical references all build up a check-box list for sites. There will always be some degree of interpretation for this period.

      We also have very defined styles of 19th century gravestone ornament in Scotland, further defined within Glasgow and the historical Lanarkshire region. None of these have elaborate crosses on them. Regionally, these crosses went out of fashion in the Reformation. Later 19th and 20th century reproductions of early medieval monuments do become vogue for a while, it is very easy to spot the difference. Some of the early medieval stones at Govan show 2 clear periods of reuse, dated with inscriptions in some cases to the 17th century.

      Maybe I have got the wrong end of the stick. Are you suggesting that the carvings were made in the 19th century as forgeries? A giant conspiracy of the Govan Parish in the 19th century? This seems a wee bit far-fetched, and certainly lacking in evidence.

      There was a fairly famous, and discredited, academic called Rogers who wrote about the discovery of the Govan Sarcophagus in 1855. Later on he became a venomous anti-Celticist who isolated himself from all his peers by going on rants about how everything was Norman, invariably against the bulk of all evidence and at the cost of his reputation. Even Rogers though, noted that the sarcophagus had been dug out of a considerable depth in the graveyard. I think the study of early medieval sculpture is fairly advanced now and people who posit that kind of argument quickly lose any credibility they may once have possessed.

      The best evidence for an early medieval ecclesiastical site is the sculpture itself. If anyone has any good evidence to suggest that the sculpture is much later, many people would be fascinated to hear about their ground-breaking research.

      Hope you’ll come visit Govan Old and see the fabulous medieval collection known as the Govan S

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Lost carvings of the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde turn up in Govan Graveyard by Andy B on Friday, 29 March 2019
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A community archaeology dig in Govan has uncovered long-lost gravestones from the Middle Ages, when the area was a political and religious power centre on the Clyde.

Volunteers on the ‘Stones and Bones’ community dig set out in search of a set of lost gravestones in the graveyard of Govan Old Parish Church.

One young volunteer, 14-year-old local school pupil Mark McGettigan, was helping out with the survey of the area when he felt something solid below the surface in the graveyard.

Mark has found what turned out to be the first of three lost medieval sculptured stones, part of a unique and nationally important collection called the Govan Stones.

The new discoveries, which date to the 10th-11th centuries, feature crosses and Celtic interlace designs similar to those on the stones housed inside the church.

Mark’s mother Sandra said: “My son Mark has always wanted to be an archaeologist. When I saw there was a community dig in Govan, I signed us both up to take part. I still can’t quite believe that on Mark’s very first archaeological dig he uncovered these stones that everyone thought was lost forever.”

Mark, an S3 pupil from Lourdes Secondary School, said: “I was just prodding the ground to see if there was anything there and suddenly it made a noise and I realised I had hit something . Myself and two of the archaeologists worked out the area of the object and started to dig it out and clean it. I wasn’t too sure at the start what it was. But then we checked with the records and we realised it was one of the lost Govan Stones. I am extremely happy, in fact I’m ecstatic at what I helped to uncover.”

The Stones and Bones dig was being carried out by Northlight Heritage with local participants for the Govan Cross Townscape Heritage Initiative and the Glasgow City Region City Deal.

The Govan Stones, most of which are now housed in Govan Old Parish Church, shine light into an obscure period of history before the nation of Scotland existed, when warlords battled for control of the British Isles and Viking long ships caused mayhem along Scottish coasts and waterways.

A total of 46 stones were found in the graveyard in the 19th century, and 31 of them were taken into the church for safe keeping.

The remaining stones were displayed against the wall of the churchyard, under the shadow of the Harland and Wolff shipyard. In 1973, the shipyard building was demolished and scholars believed that the stones were destroyed in the process.

However, it now seems likely that many of these long-lost stones have survived and await rediscovery by Mark and the community dig.

Professor Stephen Driscoll, the University of Glasgow’s Professor of Historical Archaeology, is part of The Govan Heritage Trust, which owns Govan Old Parish Church and the Govan Stones. He said: “This the most exciting discovery we have had at Govan in the last 20 years. The Govan Stones are a collection of international importance and these recovered stones reinforce the case for regarding Govan as a major early medieval centre of power.

“The discovery is very timely because the Govan Heritage Trust is embarking on a major refurbishment of Govan Old, which will culminate in a redisplay of the collection. In the coming months we look forward to continuing this community archaeological work to locate the other lost stones to assess their condition from a conservation perspective and to consider how best to secure their long-term future.”

The Govan Heritage Trust are currently running a crowdfunding campaign to secure the future of the building and its rare collection. Anyone wishing to support the Trust can contribute at https://tghts.charitycheckout.co.uk/profile.

Ingrid Shearer of Northlight Heritage said: “We’re delighted that our volunteers have

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    Found - the lost Govan Stones by Andy B on Friday, 29 March 2019
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    The Lost Glasgow blog writes: I've been keeping a secret, and it's been driving me mad, so I'm glad I can now share it.

    Late last week I got a call from my pal Ingrid, at Northlight Heritage, who has been running a community acheological dig in the grounds of Govan Old Church - home to the Viking and early Medieval Govan Stones.

    When I'd last spoken to the team, they'd found hee-haw, nadda, nothing, not a sausage.

    This time was different - they'd rediscovered the 'lost' Govan Stones - the 15 ancient stones which were thought lost when the next door Harland & Wolff shipyard was demolished in 1973. It was long-feared that the priceless relics had been mistaken for building rubble, and taken away as landfill.

    The brilliant news is they were there all the time, just waiting to be found.

    More
    https://www.lostglasgow.scot/posts/found---the-lost-govan-stones-258/
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    The Govan Stones charity appeal by Andy B on Friday, 29 March 2019
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    To protect this unique legacy we need help — urgently. The A-listed church building that hosts the monuments was to be shut, inexplicably and to public outrage, but instead has been rescued by our new independent enterprise, Govan Heritage Trust, which has kept the doors open to the public and come up with plans to develop the site as a community-run cultural, museum and business complex. If our trust is to succeed, it needs to raise significant funds.

    We may be only at the start of our journey but, encouragingly, we have had some early successes. First, our name is spreading fast and in the last year we have welcomed 14,000 visitors. Second, as we plan our initial phase of redevelopment works and first step in the business plan, the public sector has responded positively with a commitment of £566,000 towards the £785,000 costs. Phase 1, the conversion of an unused, lower-ground floor into lettable business space, is all important to us because it will generate the project’s first income and secure the future of the building and its rare collection.

    The task before us, then, is to raise the balance of £219,000, and we are appealing for support. Please help us secure the future of one of Glasgow and Scotland’s most important historical, cultural and heritage assets. Every single donation is important to us — large or small.

    Our trust is supported and guided by social enterprise Govan Workspace which over several decades has completed a number of complex building projects involving historic buildings. Please note that all monies raised from this appeal will be used exclusively on bricks and mortar and not for day-to-day running costs or salaries.

    Please consider spreading the word about the Govan Stones and our appeal to secure their future. Thank you in advance for any support you can offer!

    https://tghts.charitycheckout.co.uk/profile
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The Govan Stones Exhibition will be open whilst the excavations are on by Anne T on Tuesday, 05 March 2019
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Frazer Capie, Co-ordinator for the Govan Stones Project, adds: "This means that during March we will be open to the public 11am-4pm Tuesdays-Saturdays, with the building closed Sundays and Mondays. From the 1st of April it will be back to the usual 1pm-4pm 7 afternoons a week."

The Govan Stones Project has already received a commitment of £566,000 towards the cost of a £785,000 capital Phase 1 redevelopment project from public sector donors, but needs to raise the balance of £219,000. Are you able to help?

For more information see The Govan Stones Appeal and The Scotsman's "Govan Stones: Appeal to protect Viking-era monuments" article of 24th January 2019.
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Govan Old Churchyard: Stones & Bones Community Dig starts today by Anne T on Tuesday, 05 March 2019
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Govan Stones Excavation starts today!
Frazer Capie, Co-ordinator of the Govan Stones project, has this morning let me know that archaeological excavations start in the churchyard today, running from March 5th to 30th March 2019 inclusive, Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am to 4pm.

Run by Northlight Heritage, this community dig is related to "public realm improvements which will see new stone paths leading to Govan Old from the roadway". There is currently an appeal for volunteers to help with excavations and learn more about the history and archaeology of Govan Old Church - click on the link for Join us on the Graveyard Shift! to ensure you reserve your place(s). There are some spaces available on a casual, drop-in basis, but pre-booking is preferred. No prior experience is needed, but make sure you wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear.

In addition to the dig, there is a whole series of tours, workshops and events which will take place every Saturday whilst the dig is on:
* ‘Stones and Bones’ talks and tours
* School visits and activities for children and young people
* Developing a new heritage trail for the graveyard
* Researching the history of the graveyard
* Searching for lost and buried gravestones
* Stone carving workshops
* Deciphering the meanings behind gravestone carvings and symbols
* Sketching classes
* Photography and photogrammetry workshops
* Night tours

More details at
http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/govan-old-churchyard-stones-bones-community-dig-tickets-56482661160
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Re: The Govan Stones by davidmorgan on Wednesday, 05 December 2018
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Speculative discussion now moved to this forum.
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Re: The Govan Stones by Anne T on Tuesday, 27 November 2018
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An extract from my walk/photo journal about my visit to The Govan Stones:

Today, Govan Old Church, dedicated to St. Constantine, sits in an unprepossessing landscape, sitting at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac off the Govan Road, behind a medley of Victorian buildings, blocks of flats, and a modern shopping centre, in an up-and-coming area of urban regeneration. But behind the plain, stark west door, you will find something unexpected and amazing, and looking back into the history books you will find a remarkable story.

The meaning of the word ‘Govan’ means ‘little hill’, and the origins of Govan are believed to pre-date those of Glasgow. Govan has some internationally important archaeological sites, such as “Doomster Hill” – a (now destroyed) man-made mound some 45m in diameter on the south side of the River Clyde which dominated the Govan landscape – a ceremonial hill with a sacred well. Tradition has it that by the 6th St. Constantine had arrived, built a small wooden church next to this mound, and went on to found a monastery. With its’ strategic placement, at a crossing point of the River Clyde and at the mouth of the River Kelvin, travellers and pilgrims needed to pass through Govan, which rapidly became an important ecclesiastic community.

By the 7th century, the area was ruled by one of the most powerful kings of the British Isles, who had as his power-base Dumbarton Rock, some 17km away. By the 9th century, the Vikings had appeared in the region, a new king had taken up residence in Govan itself, and the kingdom of Strathclyde was born. Govan was an important and significant centre of power, both religious and secular, and also the burial place of kings.

In the 12th century, Strathclyde was absorbed into the kingdom of Scotland and the ecclesiastical centre passed to Glasgow Cathedral. From this time on, the importance of Govan as a religious centre declined. A trading community grew up in its place, and as the River Clyde was deepened, it became an important centre for industry and shipbuilding.

A number of new churches, on the same site as the old, followed, the medieval church being replaced in 1726 – an important time for our stones, as the ‘old fashioned’ carved cross slabs were replaced with more diverse burial monuments with different symbolism. Construction on the present building began in 1884, and the church opened in 1888.

Today the building stands tall and imposing, and perhaps a little daunting to visitors new to the area. But, open the west door into the church to find a surprise awaits –three early Christian crosses to your left, mounted in almost semi-darkness and lit to highlight their intricate carvings; welcoming volunteers and a display of literature to your right.

As your eyes adjust to the light within the church, you become aware of the glorious stained glass which acts as a backdrop to the whole. As you gradually take in the contrast of the interior of the church to its outside, you become aware of the stones and other monuments displayed around the walls of the nave, in the north transept, the Baptistry and the chancel.

Of the forty-four carved stones found in the churchyard, mainly in the 19th century, thirty-one survive today. Thirty, dating from the 9th to 11th century, can be seen inside the church (one is still outside the west door of the church). These stones are described as “commemorating the power of those who ruled the Kingdom of Strathclyde’ and this collection as ‘one of Glasgow’s most important historical and cultural assets’.

The showcase of the collection is Govan Sarcophagus, which was carved from a single block of stone in the mid to late 800s. It is unsure if it held the relics of a saint or the bones of a king, but with its interlace designs, figurative panels, a carving of a mounted hunter and other symbolic motifs, it is “undoubtedly one of the most outstanding pieces of sculpture of its age.”

The

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    Re: The Govan Stones by Anonymous on Saturday, 23 March 2019
    Govan = gobhain, place of smith/smithy, metalwork or fabrication. The word is similar in both Goidelic and Brythonic forms, and there was apparently a god of the same name.
    “Little Hill” would be something like “cnocan” or “bryncyn”.
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      Re: The Govan Stones by Anne T on Saturday, 23 March 2019
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      Hi, Anonymous. Thanks very much for the clarification - much appreciated. I took my information from the literature I gathered on-line and at the venue. Your definition would fit very well with the industry that developed in the area. Always happy to be corrected and learn. Thank you.
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Re: The Govan Stones by Anne T on Saturday, 24 November 2018
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For more information on the individual cross slabs, please click on these Canmore links:
The Jordanhill Cross, Canmore ID 44223;
Govan 1, Canmore ID 353047;
Govan 2, Canmore ID 353104;
Govan 3, Canmore ID 353105;
Govan 4, the Sun Stone, Canmore ID 353106;
Govan 5; the Cuddy Stane, Canmore ID 353107;
Govan 6, Canmore ID 353108;
Govan 7, Canmore ID 353109;
Govan 8, Canmore ID 353110;
Govan 9, Canmore ID 353111;
Govan 10, Canmore ID 353112;
Govan 11, Canmore ID 353180;
Govan 12, Canmore ID 353181;
Govan 13, Canmore ID 353182;
Govan 14, Canmore ID 353183;
Govan 15, Canmore ID 353194;
Govan 16, Canmore ID 353195;
Govan 17, Canmore ID 353196;
Govan 18 (lost), Canmore ID 353197;
Govan 19 (lost), Canmore ID 353198;
Govan 20 (lost), Canmore ID 353199;
Govan 21, Canmore ID 353200;
Govan 22 (lost), Canmore ID 353201;
Govan 23, Canmore ID 353202;
Govan 24 (lost), Canmore ID 353203;
Govan 25, Canmore ID 353204;
Govan 26 (lost), Canmore ID 353205;
Govan 27, Canmore ID 353206;
Govan 28, Canmore ID 353207;
Govan 29, Canmore ID 353208;
Govan 30 (lost), Canmore ID 353209;
Govan 31, Canmore

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Govan hogback to be featured in Vikings: Life and Legend at the British Museum by Andy B on Wednesday, 29 January 2014
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Professor Stephen Driscoll, professor of historical archaeology at Glasgow University wants to raise the profile of the Govan Old church and ensure its stones are given their rightful prominence.

A request from the British Museum to feature one of the hogbacks in a flagship exhibition Vikings Life and Legend, which begins in March, is an indication of the growing awareness of the importance of the sculptures.

Gareth Williams, curator of the British Museum Viking exhibition, said: "We wanted to go with one of the Govan ones because it is a particularly splendid example but also because we felt that it would be nice to put Govan on the map a bit more.

"It is a very important site and one which I think deserves to be better known. It is one of the best collections of early medieval sculpture anywhere in the British isles."

The smallest hogback, which weighs about 500kg, will be removed from the church and taken to London on Monday, the first time it has left Govan in a millennium.

More at BBC News
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-18172678
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The Govan Stones Revealed, 15th & 16th September 201 by Andy B on Wednesday, 05 September 2012
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Govan Old Church
15th September 2012, 10.00 - 16.00hrs - 16th September 2012, 13.00 - 16.00hrs
Contact: Frazer Capie, Govan Old Parish Church, PO Box 7325, Glasgow G51 3BW..
Tel: 0141-440-2466
Where: Govan Old Church, 866 Govan Road, Glasgow, G51 3UU.

Discover the unique collection of early medieval stones carved in the 9th-11th centuries to commemorate the power of those who ruled the Kingdom of Strathclyde. One of Glasgow’s most important historical and cultural assets, explore the 31 monuments within the beautiful setting of Govan Old Church.

A-Listed on a site of great antiquity. Priceless stained-glass from 5 English Studios. Home to the Govan Stones including 5 hogback stones & the Govan Sarcophagus. Architect: Robert Rowand Anderson.

Building Date: 1888

Guided Tours Available | Exhibitions & Displays | Music Performances Taking Place
Children's Activities Available | Intermittent Music | Refreshments Available

http://www.thegovanstones.org.uk/
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Re: Govan Old Parish Church by jamesharvey12 on Monday, 27 August 2012
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I am a glaswegian and ashamed to say that Ivisited for the first time last week.I have passed the site thousands of times.What a collection of 9th-11th century christian gravestones 31 including 5 hogbacks & the only pre-norman solid stone sarcophagus from northern Britain.I will be going back often.admission free! opening sat sun mon wed & thurs 1pm-4pm.Guided tours 1.45 and 2.45.Acess govan tube station 150 metres.What a hidden treasure!
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Re: Govan Old Parish Church by Anonymous on Sunday, 19 June 2011
I am led to believe that the first church at Govan was founded by St Constantine (Cowstan) who was a associate of St Servanus and St Kentigern. This was probably in the 6th century CE.
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    Re: Govan Old Parish Church by Sunny100 on Sunday, 19 June 2011
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    Ooops, Sorry, was Anon, but now Sunny100 again. How strange !!! Gremlins in my pc.
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Re: Govan Old Parish Church by joedkins on Sunday, 19 June 2011
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The link provided for this site (http://www.archaeoptics.co.uk/products/ecms/395.html) comes up 'not found'. I suggest you use Govan Old Church Friends instead:
http://www.govanold.org.uk/
That gives details of opening times, etc.
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Re: Govan Old Parish Church by joedkins on Sunday, 19 June 2011
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Govan Old Church is Victorian, but there has been a church here since 5th century. Bones from the churchyard have been radio-carbon dated to 5th century. The churchyard bounday is curved rather than straight, also showing its age. Inside the church are over 30 carved stones which came from the churchyard. There are several 'hogbacks', strange carved stone monuments that look like upturned boats, but are probably representations of the roof of a Viking building - you can see the roof tiles. At the ends of them are carved animals. There are lost of carved crosses. They were flat rather than upright. They have Celtic knot carving, and mounted figures, and a shape which is four snakes meeting in a circle (which is thought to be a Picitish symbol). There is also a magnificent carved sarcophagus, with more knots, mounted figures, horses.
The church is open a couple of days a week in the summer.
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Re: Govan Old Parish Church Crookston Castle by Anonymous on Wednesday, 13 October 2010
born in Uist st in1936 I left scotland 1954
and remember the bombing over the clyde
being evacuated while my Father worked at Barclay Curl I am now living in the states but went back to Govan 30 years later sorry to say that even with the bombing it never looked as bad as it does today where has Goven pride gone. during the war years govanites were like family looking after
each other. it is sad to see the place of ones birth in such a shambles as Govan has such a proud history. Does
any one remmber D day celebrating with bonfires in the street and dancing, cooking
potatoes in the bonfire as a kid it was a wonderful and happy time
let Govan flourish
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Re: Govan Old Parish Church Crookston Castle by Anonymous on Tuesday, 02 March 2010
My first rememberence of the Crookston Castle was when I went to Lyoncross Nursery, as a little one, I then went to Bonnyholm Primary and onto Crookston Castle Secondary, I passed the castle each morning and afternoon to and from school, I also remember the German Shepherd Barking in it's outside enclosure, and the tall fencing surrounding the castle. Somehow as a teenager I managed to befriend the caretaker (I cant quite remember his name) and was allowed into the castle to sit in the grounds and draw, I was also lucky enough to be able to help clean out the "Dungeon" as it was called of all the bottles and papers etc,and the spray paint off the walls, I loved the castle and never found it frightening or eerie even alone climbing the stairs, I imagined the people that lived there before, smelled the smoke of the fires and heard the long time passed voices, The imagination of a teenager, a wonderful thing back then, Laura Cumming
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    Re: Govan Old Parish Church Crookston Castle by Anonymous on Wednesday, 25 June 2014
    used to live next block from you laura! one across from sean bolton.

    Martin mchardy
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Re: Govan Old Parish Church Crookston Castle by Anonymous on Friday, 05 February 2010
I too spent the first 10 years of my life in Calfhill Road and wandered by Crookston Castle on the way to St Monicas every day. This was in the very late 60's. But I do remember climbing the stairs in the castle to the top when I was quite young. Oh so much history. Does anyone happen to know who built it originally.
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Re: Govan Old Parish Church Crookston Castle by Anonymous on Friday, 28 August 2009
I have just moved to Pollok and find all the local history very intresting. But i find it hard to believe that Crookstone castle was first inhabited by a Norman knight. It seems obvious to me that this site has been in use for millenia. But why is their no more information about this place before 1090???
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Re: Govan Old Parish Church Crookston Castle by Anonymous on Sunday, 07 June 2009
my name is pasley im looking for information on my heritage i live in jefferson city missouri usa
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Re: Govan Old Parish Church Crookston Castle by Anonymous on Saturday, 08 July 2006
Crookston Castle has been a lively spot lately. The Village Storytelling Centre (based in St James Parish Church, Meiklerig Crescent, Pollok) has been funded to organise storytellers-in-residence. These storytellers have been taking local student groups up all year (including St Monica's)!

They have also helped with the new lighting of the castle project- you may notice the castle at night now due to the new atmospheric lighting (though I bet it's still spooky to creep up to if you're a child!)

There have been community lighting ceremonies involving lots of local residents in a lantern parade as well as very recently the 600th birthday party (which had loads of local visitors!). This event had musicians, people in costumes, all sorts of historic fun.

I know about this as I work with the storytelling centre and will myself be taking primary 4 students to the castle next year (St Monicas, Darnley, Arden, St Marnock's, McGill, Bonnyholm- loads of local schools are the usual ones to come along)

The Village storytelling centre website is-
http://www.thevillageonline.org.uk
they may be able to inform you about upcoming events, although perhaps of more interest is the Pollok community website-
http://www.greaterpollok.net
they seem to have a news section- perhaps this is a way to find out when things are happening at the castle?
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Re: Govan Old Parish Church by Anonymous on Tuesday, 23 May 2006
I am also from Linthaugh Rd.& went to St.Monica,s the same way that you travelled.It was always a scary sort of building but as we got older we realised how historic the castle really was , I haven,t seen it since the 60s only in photo,s but would love to go back & see how much it has changed.
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Re: Govan Old Parish Church by Anonymous on Wednesday, 17 May 2006
I lived in Linthaugh Road, Pollok, went to St Monica's, and took that very route to school. The description is spot on, that path on the hill, the fence. I was terrified of that castle. All the kids said it was haunted and of course we all believed it was. It is indeed Pollok's landmark yet it has never 'belonged' to the people of Pollok. I would dearly love to visit the castle and see the interior for myself. From the photos I have seen on the internet, it is a very unique and interesting building.
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Re: Govan Old Parish Church by Anonymous on Saturday, 02 July 2005
I read with interest some views and commentary about crookston castle. It seems that the council have finally woken up to this tremendous historical landmark in the centre of Pollok. I grew up in Pollok living in two opposite directions of the castle over the years. In my youth I climbed to the top of the tower and looked over my heritiage.
My family have lived and died in the shadow of the castle for some sixty years, yet it had always remained a forboding and unwelcoming landmark. As I made my way from Calfhill Road to St. Monica`s Primary school my endearing memory is of barking alsatians , closed gates, a sinister unwelcoming gravel path and exclusive perimeter fencing. This for me in reflective middle age was a travisty. All that heritage locked away from the very people with the same space if not time as historical scottish events. What a shame. Most of the articles I have read associate the castle with anything other than the residents of Pollok. Almost as if they are intuders in what should be of middle class appreciation. Give Crookston Castle its true identity as Pollok`s landmark.
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