Update on archaeological developments at Govan Old

Published: 24 October 2022

Read all about the excavations which took place in September 2022

In September 2022, archaeology resumed at Govan old church.  An excavation prompted by the Govan Heritage Trust’s ongoing refurbishments in the church was accompanied by a comprehensive probing survey of the churchyard to recover lost grave stones. The project involved students at all stages of their GU careers, from new freshers to senior PhD students. The GU team worked alongside Clyde Archaeology (a company composed of GU graduates) and a diverse range of volunteers drawn from the Govan community.

The excavations were very successful in discovering valuable archaeological deposits, including portions of the early modern or late medieval church building. Plans are afoot to return in Summer 2023 to clarify our understanding of the early churches and hopefully to explore the early medieval horizons associated with the hogback stones.

Educationally the dig was a triumph. Not only did a range university students gain some practical experience of working in complex urban stratigraphy, there were dozens of school children participated in the excavations, and the range of volunteers. The students and the flow of information across the different groups of participants was joy to eavesdrop on.

Socially the excavations were also a success. The Govan Stones lively social media presence ensured that the community were well informed of the fieldwork progress and made welcome. The highlight of the dig was the Viking Age encampment at Govan Old, as part of  including the Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival. The event featured the superb Cumbraland Folk re-enactors, and drew many hundreds to Govan Old. This has recently been won the Award for the “Outstanding Event for Children and Young People” during the 2022 Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival. This award will be presented by the Lord Provost at a Civic Reception at Glasgow City Chambers on Wednesday 16 November 2022.

There will be a regular programme of archaeological investigations and activities at Govan Old in coming months, you can keep abreast of via the Govan Stones social media. The probing survey is planned to continue over the winter, and work is underway to secure the consents and funds for another excavation season in 2023. 

Govan Old


First published: 24 October 2022