As the oldest recorded fortified site in Britain, it should be remembered that, although predominantly military, Dumbarton Rock has from very early times also had a spiritual focus.
From the 4th century until 1018 the Rock was the capital of the Strathclyde Britons. They called it “Alt Clut”, meaning the Rock of the Clyde, and their Gaelic-speaking neighbours, the Scots, called it “Dun Breatann” – the Fort of the Britons.
Local historian, the late Dr. Iain MacPhail, wrote that in the Annals of Ulster, it was recorded that in 314 AD three bishops and a deacon represented Alt Clut at a Christian conference in Arles.
In the 6th century an Irish princess called Modwenna is understood to have founded a chapel, dedicated to St. Patrick, on Dumbarton Rock. It is believed that the chapel was situated on the site of the present terraced garden behind the Governor’s House. The last chaplain of the chapel, Sir John Cook, received his stipend until 1595, over thirty years after the Reformation.
It is also said that around 450 AD St Patrick sent a letter of complaint to Coroticus, “King of Strathclyde”, at Dumbarton. The saint is berating him for acts of piracy and selling Christians into slavery. Patrick is excommunicating the offenders, implying that they were, or had been, Christian.
Still present in Dumbarton Castle are “cross-slabs” dated to the 10th century. These are intricately-carved stones which have probably been parts of a full Christian Cross. They were discovered on the presumed site of St. Patrick’s Chapel.
All of this shows conclusively that the Christian Faith in this district has roots which go back some 1700 years.
Peter Connell — It’s a fantastic place steeped in history my father first took me there when I was a wee boy love going back just to sit and look at the view it has a very calming effect.