September 2025 Govan Old archaeology update.
Govan Heritage Trust will once more be undertaking excavations during September 2025. Excavations are being led by Professor Stephen Driscoll from the University of Glasgow and the fantastic team from Clyde Archaeology.
Hundreds of volunteers participated between the 2022 season and August this year. During July and August we concentrated on probing for sunken monuments and many previously unknown gravestones have been discovered through this meticulous survey work.
This season we plan to:
1. To further examine the structures in the south-east corner of the churchyard, which in the 19th century were used to house the Govan Stones. This structure and an adjacent shed stand on the site of the original medieval entrance to the churchyard.
2. To continue the probing survey which locates buried grave stones, exposes and documents them.
Most of our volunteering places are now full for the dig itself but you can still visit the site and learn about the archaeological process and what we have found so far. We will be having an special open day on Saturday 20th of September 2025 (11am-4pm).
Archaeological Open Day on Saturday 20th of September: Glasgow Doors Open Festival 2025
Graveyard Guardians: Conserving the Archaeology and Natural Heritage of Govan Old. On Saturday 20th of September 2025, Govan Old will be holding a family open day. The event will be a celebration of the launch of a 2-year project focussing on the archaeology and natural heritage of Govan Old Grav
Help fund our Archaeological discoveries – Please donate!
Govan Heritage Trust is hoping you can help us raise £10,000 for a project that will transform the future of the Govan Stones and Govan Old. We’re raising money for a 2-year project that will showcase the archaeology and natural heritage of Govan Old’s 1,500 year-old graveyard. But, h
New printing of the Vinegar Letters! – coming soon
The museum is eagerly awaiting newly printed copies of Martin Donaghy’s novel – The Vinegar Letters. Get your copy in-store. It is the mid-1820s and the great city of Glasgow, beneath its Presbyterian shell, is buzzing with gentlemen’s clubs, rivalries and gossip. At the centre of genteel socie
A Tea, A Talk & A Tunnock’s with Dr Alan Leslie
Dr Alan Leslie drew a full house to Govan Old on Wed 26th Oct to witness a 'whistlestop journey' through the archaeology of the Roman Empire. Keep an eye on the Govan Stones website for future events.
Temporary Exhibition: Fyffe Christie’s mural “Christ Feeding the People” returns to Glasgow
A famous Glasgow work of art, thought lost after decades of searching failed to find any trace of it, has been rediscovered and brought back to the city of its birth where it goes on display today for the first time in 40 years.
Upcoming Events
Govan Old regularly plays host to a vibrant range of events, from STEM fun-days and living history re-enactment to art exhibitions and academic conferences. Keep an eye on upcoming Govan Old events including talks, drop-in activities, themed fun-days and more at the Govan Stones Eventbrite.
A rare glimpse into the parish’s past
In 2020, an amazing archive film discovery was made in the basement of Govan Old Church. Digitisation of two vintage canisters of historic film reel revealed never before screened early Technicolor footage of a packed 1960s Christmas service at Govan Old.
Govan Old’s very own Young Archaeologist Club launches
Local young people can join the Govan Stones team for an exciting programme featuring real life excavations, field trips, historic arts workshops, science experiments, digital techniques, photogrammetry and more. Older community members can get involved as YAC volunteers, featuring training from Archaeo
Phase 1 Project Update
With Fleming Buildings appointed as main Phase 1 contractor in March 2021, the last 11 months have seen the steady transformation of Govan Old’s lower ground floor which comprises 3,000 sq ft of former church rooms that have lain vacant and unused for decades. Refurbishment and conversion of these to
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Open Daily, April 1st – October 31st 11am – 4pm. Admission Free
Guided tours available from 1pm
Please get in touch if you want to bring a larger tour group. For more information please contact: info@thegovanstones.org.uk
Govan Stones
866 Govan Rd
Glasgow
G51 3UU
Phone: 0141 445 2340
Email: info@thegovanstones.org.uk