Archaeology in the City

Have you ever wondered what lies beneath your feet? The  city of Glasgow has a wonderful array of hidden gems for you to discover. Various recent developments have led to archaeological excavations taking place around the city and uncovering the history of the city.Some places to explore the archaeology of the city.

The earthwork on Camphill within Queens Park, lies beneath the highest point on the park grounds and is of uncertain date and purpose, although suggestions are that it is medieval or Roman in origin. Two other earthworks can be enjoyed within Pollok Country Park and are situated within the North Wood.

Explore the Antonine Wall stretching from Old Kilpatrick in the west to Bo’ness in the east. 2008 saw the inscription of this most northern frontier of the Roman Empire by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  Some of the wall lies within the Glasgow city boundary but most of the wall stretches from east to west and can be reached by car. Objects from the wall can be seen by visiting the University’s of Glasgow’s Hunterian Museum.

Nineteenth century Govan Old Parish Church is set within an ancient graveyard. You
can visit the church which holds the Govan Hogbacks. Discover the Medieval City through the Medieval City Map, visit Glasgow Cathedral, Provands Lordship, Provan Hall and the Tolbooth. Explore Crookston Castle the second oldest building in Glasgow and is Glasgow’s last surviving castle and one of the most interesting buildings of medieval architecture. Legend has it that Lord Darnley and Mary Queen of Scots sat beneath an ancient yew tree which once lay in it’s grounds. Finds from an excavation of the site can be seen at the University of Glasgow’s Hunterian Museum.

The remainder of Glasgow’s Industrial heritage can be seen through its built heritage and hidden archaeology. The recent excavations which have taken place as a forerunner to the M74 Motorway Extension led to the exploration of 19th century industrial sites. Other places to explore the remaining archaeology of Glasgow; the river Clyde, Forth and Clyde canal, River and the City.

Finally you can explore Glasgow City Councils Libraries and Archives for more information and see objects found at various excavations within Glasgow Museums and Art galleries.

West of Scotland Archaeology service and Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland hold information about many archaeological sites in and around Glasgow. Another important organisation is the Glasgow Archaeology Society.