In the mid-1800s the Doomster Hill was destroyed to make space for a shipbuilding yard and no trace of it now survives. Eventually, in the late 20th century, the shipyard itself was demolished, a casualty of the decline of heavy industry on the Clyde. Today, the site of the hill lies under the Riverside Housing Estate.
On Saturday 31st March 2012, on a piece of ground at the edge of the Riverside, an event of profound significance took place. After an interval of 1000 years, the ancient ‘parliament’ of Govan was remembered – and symbolically re-convened – by a gathering of local people. This was more than a nod from present-day Govanites to their ancient heritage. It was an affirmation of continuity, a demonstration of the link between past and present in a part of Govan that has witnessed more than its fair share of change.
A report of the event by Matt Baker, with photographs by Ben Rush, can be found by following this link.
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