was Church Overview

Affectionately called ‘the people’s cathedral’, Govan Old Parish Church, now “The Govan Stones” possibly sits on the oldest site of Christian worship in Glasgow. Its circular graveyard has been in use since the early medieval era, and the building now hosts a remarkable heritage of early Christian carved stones that have been found there over the centuries.

No fewer than thirty-one major monuments survive, mostly intact and highly decorated. They mostly span the 9th to 10th centuries and they represent one of the largest and most interesting assemblages of early medieval sculpture in Scotland, with further important carved stones discovered during recent excavations at the site. In 2023, an incised stone showing the representation of an armed man was discovered, now nicknamed the “Govan Warrior”.

The growing collection includes a richly carved stone sarcophagus, that may once have contained the relics of St Constantine of Strathclyde, various recumbent cross-slabs, cross shafts and free-standing crosses and a truly remarkable group of five Viking era hogback monuments. The historic graveyard outside also contains a number of very interesting 17th, 18th and 19th century grave markers.

The church itself dates from 1888. The design by Robert Rowand Anderson, inspired by Italian Franciscan basilicas and Pluscardine Abbey, proved very influential for the next 50 years. Bold encaustic tiles and decorative ironwork complement the chancel. The cycle of stained-glass windows were planned as a unit and contains an impressive collection of windows by Charles E Kempe, Burlison & Grylls, Clayton & Bell and by Shrigley & Hunt.  The fine pipe organ originally built by Brindley and Foster.

The former Church of Scotland building passed into the care of the Govan Heritage Trust in 2016, who now open the church from April to October, free of charge, maintaining its wonderful collection of carved stones and offering a variety of talks, events and an ongoing programme of excavations. 

Services

Occasional.

Opening Arrangements

Open Daily April 1st-Oct 31st from 1pm-4pm. Admission Free.

Disclaimer

The information about churches in Scotland’s Churches Scheme has been provided by the congregations or taken from the Historic Scotland list and published sources, in particular, the Buildings of Scotland volumes and the RIAS Illustrated Architectural Guides. To contact this specific church please complete the Contact this Church form above. The information is not authoritative; please contact Scotland’s Churches Trust to let us know of any errors or omissions.