Govan Stones

The Govan Stones by Reading Tom

Voted Scotland’s best hidden gem, the Govan Stones are Viking tombstones that were left untouched for more than a thousand years before their discovery in the 1850’s. The stones show the workmanship of the Vikings, highlighting the importance they gave to the proper burial of their dead.
On display at the old Govan Parish Church, the stones have many significant features:

There are 31 gravestones and 5 hogback stones.

The stones depict ancient carvings of animals, hunting scenes, crosses, and much more.

The centerpiece is called the Sarcophagus, and is the only one in Northern Britain carved from pure stone.
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Each hogback stone weighs over 1,000 pounds. They are from the Viking Kingdom of Strathclyde, who invaded the territory in 870. The stones indicate that Vikings settled the area, connecting ancient Britain with Scandinavian culture.

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