Blaeu's map of 1654
No one's quite sure just how old the burial site at Govan actually is but the popular version of it's history has it's origins associated with the monastery of St Constantine in the 6th century. When the Vikings sacked Dumbarton, the capital of the Kingdom of Strathclyde, in AD870 the capital moved to Govan, centred on the Church of St Constantine which housed a royal burial cult. Dubeity exists as to whether govan became a Royal hub or whether that was located across the river ford in Partick where a castle had been sited up until the expansion of shipyards into the area at the turn of the 20th century. I read smething recently suggesting the Partick had served as the the Royal estate with Govan being the site of an associated town or settlement, however I havn't read anyting since to confirm nor denounce this theory yet.
Govan displays several curious features. Firstly, and most obviously, is the curvilinear boundary of Govan Parish Church denoting early Christian origins. The graveyard therein contained several carved monuments in the British style with affinities to Pictish, Anglo-Norse and Scottish traditions, spanning the 9th and 10th centuries. 31 in total survive, a few being lost in the early 20th century which include a collection of 5 hogback burial stones of Norse origin along with a few free standing "Celtic" crosses and a sarcophogus none the less, which probably marked burials of the royal house of Strathclyde. Now housed inside the church for safety.
Govan Hogbacks
In the neighbouring site of the caravan encampment and market place was located the Moot, or Doomseter Hill. This feature was a terraced mound of huge proportions with a flat top and an equally huge ditch. A Moot Hill is particularly associated with the (Norse) Manx dynasty of the isle of Mann and was a ceremonial hill where judgemnet was dispensed. The site is thought to have later been re-used as a Norman Motte and Bailey.
Govan 1757
Govan from Yorkhill 1758
Govan from Partick 1839
Govan 1930's, the large shed and slips is the site of the Moot Hill