On the 29th March we took a trip out to Govan. Members and staff traveling from Flourish by subway to meet the waiting G51’ers. Together we walked along Govan Road arriving at our first stop of the day, the Govan Stones. The museum is located in an impressive, old church in the middle of a small cemetery, on entering the building we were greeted by an amazing array of stained glass windows. Three looming over us from the far end of the building as well as rows of them lining the upper level walls.
Recovering from the sight of the stunning windows we were introduced to a series of standing stones, our guide explaining to us their age and suspected purpose; including detail explaining how these incredibly aged stones aided our understanding of the structure of society in the Strathclyde region at the time.
As we were led towards the front of the building; past rows of pews on our right, and several more standing stones on our left. More of our distant local history is laid out before us as we move forwards. Our minds occupied with trying to imagine what Govan and Glasgow so, so far in the past must have looked like.
We reached an small annex, in front of us was a number of large stones, shaped like viking long houses. Large enough that we’re told they likely weigh upwards of a tonne.
In this same area was an area with a number of hands-on objects we could play examine. Including a Dane Axe, short sword and round shield; even a chain mail shirt and several helmets. Lots of members seemed to enjoy this area, posing for photos – a certain staff member going all out.
As an axe enthusiast, this writer was chuffed; propositions were made to commandeer the two handed axe, but potential co-conspirators assumed the plan was in jest.
As the excitement of the axe et al faded, the group splintered somewhat. Some of us choosing to explore by ourselves independent of the guide.
And while some of us left to learn more of the building and to be shown more archeological finds. Some, took an interest in the buildings history as a church.
Some of us, while admiring the pews, found what some say was the highlight of the entire day; hidden amongst the pews was an industrial heater! Conveniently located at the end of a pew, the heater invited us to sit and enjoy it’s warmth and song, humming along as it revitalized our hands. Marveled as we were, others wandered to our side, wondering what had brought about such bliss; we invited them to join us. We filled the row in a way that may not have happened since last the building was used for it’s original purpose; welcoming religious folk for a service or ceremony.
Moving on from the Govan Stones, we stopped for our lunches; a very generously sized offering straight from Flourish’s catering geniuses. From there we continued our walk westward along Govan Road, making our way to the Fairfields Heritage Museum, an impressive building making up part of the wider arms manufacturer owned shipyard facilities along the Clyde.
During our visit we saw a selection of navel artifacts and very detailed ship models. We were shown a video explaining the history and renovation process the building underwent. There was a tampion, after which what a tampion is needed to be researched. The end.