Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com – The Kingdom of Strathclyde, a historical realm that thrived for centuries, extended from Loch Lomond to Penrith in Cumbria at its height.
Known as Yr Hen Ogledd or ‘The Old North’ by its Welsh relatives, Dumbarton Rock served as the original capital and was referred to as the ‘Fort of the Britons’ and Alt Clud (the Rock of the Clyde).
Left: Pict. Credit: John Cassell’s Illustrated History of England, 1857. Public Domain – Right: Dumbarton Rock. Credit: Thomas Nugen – CC BY-SA 2.0
In the early 6th century, Strathclyde embraced Christianity and formed an alliance with the Cumbrians against Bernicia, a pagan Anglo-Saxon kingdom within Northumbria. Early rulers included King Coroticus and Tudwal, along with his son Rhydderch. By the 7th century, Northumbria had gained control over Cumbria, leading to the subjugation of Strathclyde by 756.
The Viking destruction of Dumbarton in 870 led to the relocation of the capital upriver to Govan, now part of southwest Glasgow. In the early 10th century, English control was established, but it was not maintained for long, as Malcolm I of Scotland acquired it in 945. Following King Owain’s death around 1016 or possibly in 1018 after aiding Malcolm II against English forces at Carham, it became a Scottish province.
The core of Strathclyde is the strath of the River Clyde. The major sites associated with the kingdom are shown, as is the marker Clach nam Breatann (English: Rock of the Britons), the probable northern extent of the kingdom at an early time. Other areas were added to or subtracted from the kingdom at different times. Credit: Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 3.0
The Govan Stones are significant artifacts from this era; carved between the 9th and 11th centuries, they commemorate those who ruled over Strathclyde—the lost kingdom of northern Britons. Originally numbering forty-five stones, but many of which are now lost, they featured large crosses surrounded by Celtic interlace patterns on their fronts. Notably missing are horizontal cross-slabs intended for grave placement, which have eroded over time due to exposure since the end of antiquity, as revealed during nineteenth-century discoveries. These ancient carvings had worn away significantly after enduring the elements for millennia.
Looking north at Dumbarton Rock, the chief fort of Strathclyde from the 6th century to 870. The fort of Alt Clut was on the right-hand summit. Credit: Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 3.0
These medieval stones display classic Viking motifs alongside intricate carvings depicting crosses, yet remain absent from Scandinavia itself. Known instead as “Hogback monuments,” these house-shaped tombstones, dating back between the tenth and twelfth centuries, appear across northern England, extending northward toward the River Tyne regions as well.
The Govan Stones, discovered at Govan Old Parish Church, are part of a site with roots tracing back to early Christian times. This burial ground may have even served as the resting place for early Strathclyde kings from approximately 1,500 years ago. Currently, the Govan Heritage Trust is seeking volunteers for careful excavation work.
Govan stones. Image credit: – CC BY-SA 3.0
Professor Stephen Driscoll from the University of Glasgow, an expert in early medieval history and leader of the Govan project, explained their methodical approach: systematically examining the graveyard to locate buried stones by lifting grass and then documenting findings through drawings and photographs.
Although constructed between 1883 and 1888, the church stands on one of Scotland’s oldest Christian worship sites. A monastery was established here in the sixth century by Constantine, a King of Strathclyde. Professor Driscoll highlighted that what makes this site exceptional is its intact preservation. The churchyard retains its early Christian layout, with the original boundaries still visible.
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To ensure the future preservation of this historic site, it is necessary to cultivate a dedicated group of individuals who are both interested in and knowledgeable about archaeology. This field offers an accessible entry point for community involvement.
Historically significant as well is that around the 11th century, Strathclyde was absorbed into what became known as northern and eastern Scotland under the Gaelic-speaking Kingdom of Alba before becoming part of Scotland itself.
Written by Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com Staff Writer