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Mini Viking-Age Festival and Govan Old Dig

Travel back over 1,000 years to the golden age of the Kingdom of Strathclyde. Explore a Viking-Age encampment, Celtic crosses and Viking hogback stones. Meet re-enactors from Cumberland and see our live archaeological dig.

The dig and survey, led by Professor Stephen Driscoll of Govan Heritage Trust and undertaken by volunteers and Clyde Archaeology, has been investigating the ancient graveyard throughout the summer, on a project that began in 2023, the year in which the early medieval carving known as the Govan Warrior came to light.

So far this summer they have unearthed evidence of an early medieval jewellery workshop and the carving of finger rings from shale rock.

One recent find in particular – an unfinished finger ring known as a roughout – gives a rare insight into the fashions favoured by the high-status inhabitants of the site between 1,000 and 1,500 years ago, when Govan Old was the royal centre of Christianity for an early medieval people known as the Clyde Britons.

The Clyde Britons appear to have used Govan Old as their principal ecclesiastical site since the early sixth century AD, with burials discovered in the 1990s excavations next to the present A-listed church scientifically dated to that period.

Festival and Open Day

On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September as part of Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival, visitors will be able to meet traditional craftspeople, arms experts, and artisans from the 10th century Kingdom of Strathclyde, with interactive demonstrations and hands-on fun for families.

The Viking Festival, which will take place both inside Govan Old and the surrounding churchyard, is completely free of charge having been sponsored by the National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland and Glasgow City Heritage Trust.

Please note that this event is not being coordinated by Dig It!. While Dig It! takes every opportunity to ensure that this information is accurate, we advise that you contact the event organiser before attending the event to avoid disappointment. As “39% of transport emissions come from cars” according to Net Zero Nation, Dig It! also encourages you to walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport to arrive at this event if possible.

Image Credit: © Govan Heritage Trust

Accessibility Information

Limited wheelchair access.

Renovations at Govan Old Church are underway to ensure Govan Old Church will be, for the first time, fully accessible. At present, the church entrance has 5 steps, with a mobile ramp on site to assist when required. Our team are happy to assist with venue entry and exit with advance notice of your visit. If mobility support would be beneficial for you during your visit, we invite you to contact the Govan Old team in advance, at info@thegovanstones.org.uk. Throughout renovation works, temporary toilet facilities will be in operation inside the venue. We regret to inform that these temporary facilities do not currently support wheelchairs.

On-street car parking is available in the vicinity of the church.

For further accessibility information, please email info@thegovanstones.org.uk.

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