Defunct Drydock at Govan, River Clyde
This evening, I am focusing on Govan which is a very old community opposite the confluence of the Rivers Clyde and Kelvin. The site of Govan Old Church may date back to the 6th century (as a Christian site) and possibly earlier. Judging from evidence of carved medieval stones (on display in the Old Church) Govan may well have been the base of a local royal line or power centre during the 9th-11th centuries before being eclipsed by Glasgow.
The first official records of Govan date to 1147 subsequent to which the church was made an associate of Glasgow Cathedral in 1153. Govan progressively grew from a fishing and farming community in the 16th century to developing coal mining and then textiles industries. Finally, Govan rose to prominence in the 19th century through shipbuilding resulting in a population boom, from 2122 in 1836 to 90,908 in 1904. After WW2 shipbuilding and heavy industry declined resulting in a re-focusing of the town. However, shipbuilding for the military continues in reasonable health.
The visitor today is presented with a number of interesting sites to visit including Govan Old Church and its famous collection of carved stones to the eerily derelict former dry docks. This video clip (latter part) shows Govan with its still active shipbuilding cranes.
Here is the unique Govan Sarcophagus which is Glasgow’s first designed and crafted work of art.
Sarcophagus at Govan Old Church, Scotland
Here is Govan Old Church which dates from 1888 but sits on a very ancient Christian ( and possibly pre-Christian) site dating back at least 1500 years.
Parish Church of St Constantine, Govan, Scotland
Govan & Linthouse Parish Church, Govan, Scotland
This is the Pearce Institute (1906) gifted as a community centre by the widow of shipping magnate Sir William Pearce.
Pearce Institute, 1906, Govan
Here is St Anthony’s Catholic Church which is built in Italian Romanesque style and dates from 1879.
St. Anthony's R.C.Church, Govan, Scotland
Here is the now defunct Broomloan Road Public School which legendary football manager, Sir Alex Fergson attended.
Public School at Broomloan Road, Govan
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