Teenager Unearths Lost 10th-Century Gravestones in Scotland

Photo: The Govan Stones Project/Facebook

The Govan Stones are a set of 46 ornate medieval gravestones — dating from the 10th and 11th centuries — first discovered in the churchyard in Govan (a district of Glasgow), Scotland, in the 19th century. Thirty one were moved into the church for safekeeping and the rest were displayed against the church’s wall. In 1973, however, the outdoor stones disappeared amid the demolition of a nearby shipyard, and were believed to be lost forever.

Photo: The Govan Stones Project/Facebook

In further excavations following McGettigan’s discovery, two more stones were found. All three feature crosses and Celtic interlacing patterns like that of the stones kept inside the church.

Photo: The Govan Stones Project/Facebook

Stephen Driscoll, professor of historical archaeology at the University of Glasgow, called the find “the most exciting discovery we have had at Govan in the last 20 years. The Govan Stones are a collection of international importance, and these recovered stones reinforce the case for regarding Govan as a major early medieval centre of power.”

Indeed, the stones are believed to be commemorations of the power of the Strathclydes — a kingdom of native Britons based in the area from around the sixth century.

Not a bad day’s work for a 14-year-old on an archaeology trip.

H/T: Smithsonian.com