About David Livingstone Birthplace
Celebrating the birthplace and legacy of Dr David Livingstone in Blantyre and across Africa.
David Livingstone Birthplace Description
The David Livingstone Centre is currently closed for redevelopment. Please follow our progress on social media!
The Centre will become a key resource for learning about his heritage and his far reaching impact in - science, health, exploration, faith and humanitarian endeavour. It will be a vibrant new visitor destination telling the story of the remarkable life and heritage of David Livingstone (1813 – 1873). This story sets Scotland in a global context and presents a compelling universal example of what each of us can achieve – and what we have to offer the world. Given the importance of our Collection we intend to become a centre for research; and deliver learning and public programmes to support schools, community regeneration and international partnerships.
David Livingstone (1813 – 1873) was born in Blantyre Mill, a poor millworker’s son. Inspired by the ideas of the Scottish Enlightenment, by faith and by the mill’s commitment to workers education, he went on to become a world-renowned African explorer, medical missionary and anti-slavery campaigner. He received the Freedom of London and is buried in Westminster Abbey. Hailed as ‘Africa’s First Freedom Fighter’, Livingstone remains a positive example of international solidarity and his story presents Scottish history, culture and learning within a truly global context
Reviews
We have some exciting news! The works at the David Livingstone Centre are underway. Check out our handy map and find out more via our website. Don't forget to keep up-to-date by signing up to our newsletter too. https://www.david-livingstone-trust.org/2 018-08-work-starts…
Awesome
The building works at the David Livingstone Centre will now commence on Tuesday the 17th of July - so access to the main site will be restricted but you will be able to get onto part of the site for walks from the top of the car park. We will post a map soon.
We hope that everyone will understand that we are doing this so that we can provide you all with a better & more enjoyable site for all our visitors...
Keep looking out for our updates here & on our twitter, Instagram &... website
https://www.david-livingstone-trust.org/b irthplace-project.…
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A huge thank you to a local man Wullie, Sparky & wee Lola. Wullie visits the park every day & picks up litter. If we had a volunteer of the month competition, I am sure u would all vote for him.
We hope you are all enjoying the sunny weather! We wanted to give you an update on the refurbishment project - building works are now likely to start later in July & this is when part of the site will no longer be accessible. Though you will still be able to get onto part of the site for walks. We will keep you updated on timescales & thanks to everyone for their patience with the delay - we can’t wait to get started!
Our very own Documentation Officer wrote a blog for National Museums Scotland on some museums training! Have a look if you're keen on bug poo and sewing labels, or just to get some behind-the-scenes looks.
Join the team! We are looking for and Administration and Fundraising Support Officer. https://www.david-livingstone-trust.org/d lt-admin-fundraisi… #BirthplaceProject
We've been uncovering lots of great stuff in our archives (and learning how to handle them properly!). If you'd like to get involved in volunteering on the Birthplace Project please get in touch info@dltrust.uk #hlfsupported
Tree house in the grounds... does anyone remember playing in it ?
It’s been a great day of events in Blantyre @ David Livingstone Church, Blantyre Old Parish Church Gala Day and Live near livvies
Deadline for Skills for Success Learning Placements has been extended until this Wednesday 6 June. Apply now! Paid placement, open to non-graduates. Amazing opportunity to get hands-on museum experience and a vocational qualification. https://www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org. uk/…/skills-for-s…/
Happy volunteers week to all our lovely volunteers, the task’s they undertake are too many to mention. Thank you x
An excellent example of how not to package a photo of the Livingstone family!! Guess our Conservator will need to repack this before it goes into storage
Don't forget, deadline for Museums Galleries Scotland paid Learning Placements is Wednesday at 9am. Join the #BirthplaceProject team! https://www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org. uk/…/skills-for-s…/
Interested in a learning placement with us??? Find out more here...
One week to go! Don't miss your chance to be part of the Birthplace Project, apply now (deadline 30 May at 9am). We are looking for two non-graduates with a keen interest in the museum sector to join us (Learning and Outreach/Curatorial and Community Engagement). The Skills for Success learning placements are funded for 12 months and you can apply here https://www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org. uk/…/skills-for-s…/
The Centre grounds today, not long till the refurbishment starts
Lovely coffee in the cafe. Had a really nice day walking around the grounds with my family x
Kids had a great time at the Easter egg hunt. Well organised and good fun. All staff/volunteers were lovely. Thank you.
I went along this afternoon with my 2 Sons, the oldest of whom is a wheelchair user and we all had a fantastic day. The staff were lovely, so polite and helpful, especially the lady who was working at the reception in the pavilion who looked after our stuff while we explored the museum and gardens (as well as giving my Sons some goodies to take away with us) and I was very proud explaining to my 7 year old all that Dr Livingstone achieved from the humblest of beginnings. The centre is wheelchair friendly and there were several groups of African families visiting today which gave me even more of a sense of pride seeing how revered the great man still is and the esteem he's held in for his opposition to the slave trade. I believe there is major investment being put in to spruce it all up a bit quite soon. With the volunteers that are making it such a memorable experience to visit the centre just now this can only enhance the setup and I'll look forward to visiting again soon. Thank you again 👍❤️😊
I love it here. Very interesting if you take a tour inside. Great gardens for a walk with or without dogs! (With is obviously the better option though...)
Had a brilliant day here yesterday, kids loved the egg hunt and the explorers garden and playing in the sand. Staff were lovely and the cafe were great. Face painting was amazing, very talented lady. Will definitely visit again
Had A Really Great Day Yesterday At Livvies In The Park With My Mum And Daughter,, The Weather Spoiled It For Today Got Soaked Three Times But Will Be Back For More Events In The Future Keep Up The Good Work.
Great place to walk your dog lovely
Scenery. It is due to get refurbished and I would definitely be back to visit the centre and to walk my dog in the future.
Daughter had a great time xxx was really good egg hunt xxx
Always went here as a boy
Wasn't too impressed with the park now. It's been several years since I've been and felt as if it's been neglected a bit. Grass was cut but but not picked up and we had to ask the volunteer grounds maintenance man to leave the toilets open. What a shame as it's got great potential xx
Took my 3 yr old to elf training. Great potential and good activities but unfortunately the elves lacked any Christmas spirit. They all looked depressed and didn't really lift the mood and get kids for excited. Great idea if done well. Overall ok for money but better things out there.
No toilet but otherwise a lovely place
Surprised to see the exterior still in such a mess. ‘Closed for renovations’ notices still displayed with no sign of works being carried out. School and nursery visits booked again for Chatelherault Country Park and other landmarks which are being funded and maintained. I’m curious as to know why the David Livingstone Centre is being neglected. I understand it comes down to funds.
Hate the place met my ex wife here, so glad she is away back to Africa
Went today and nothing opened. No toilets open and the only bin was away at the exit. Wanted to go walk round the garden how due to fact thsre was no toilets and i was with wheelchair users and had to leave and go elsewhere to use toilets. Several people turning up with children who also were under the impression that it was all open and had to leave. There was no signs that centre was shut. Totally disappointed would not recommend
Went on a Monday and it was closed place so run down and was attacked by a dog Only opens on a Saturday and Sunday eh won't be back Greatly and sadly disappointed �
We also went along this week only to find everything closed. Not a sign anywhere with accurate opening times/days. A quick search online also brings up old opening times. Might I suggest an update on the now limited opening?!!! During our very brief visit yesterday, we encountered several other very disappointed groups of people who had arrived to find the centre shut.
Rubbish visit. Closed and ended up a look round the garden. Very dissapoining.
Lovely coffee in the cafe. Had a really nice day walking around the grounds with my family x
Kids had a great time at the Easter egg hunt. Well organised and good fun. All staff/volunteers were lovely. Thank you.
I went along this afternoon with my 2 Sons, the oldest of whom is a wheelchair user and we all had a fantastic day. The staff were lovely, so polite and helpful, especially the lady who was working at the reception in the pavilion who looked after our stuff while we explored the museum and gardens (as well as giving my Sons some goodies to take away with us) and I was very proud explaining to my 7 year old all that Dr Livingstone achieved from the humblest of beginnings. The centre is wheelchair friendly and there were several groups of African families visiting today which gave me even more of a sense of pride seeing how revered the great man still is and the esteem he's held in for his opposition to the slave trade. I believe there is major investment being put in to spruce it all up a bit quite soon. With the volunteers that are making it such a memorable experience to visit the centre just now this can only enhance the setup and I'll look forward to visiting again soon. Thank you again 👍❤️😊
I love it here. Very interesting if you take a tour inside. Great gardens for a walk with or without dogs! (With is obviously the better option though...)
Had a brilliant day here yesterday, kids loved the egg hunt and the explorers garden and playing in the sand. Staff were lovely and the cafe were great. Face painting was amazing, very talented lady. Will definitely visit again
Had A Really Great Day Yesterday At Livvies In The Park With My Mum And Daughter,, The Weather Spoiled It For Today Got Soaked Three Times But Will Be Back For More Events In The Future Keep Up The Good Work.
Great place to walk your dog lovely
Scenery. It is due to get refurbished and I would definitely be back to visit the centre and to walk my dog in the future.
Daughter had a great time xxx was really good egg hunt xxx
Always went here as a boy
Wasn't too impressed with the park now. It's been several years since I've been and felt as if it's been neglected a bit. Grass was cut but but not picked up and we had to ask the volunteer grounds maintenance man to leave the toilets open. What a shame as it's got great potential xx
Took my 3 yr old to elf training. Great potential and good activities but unfortunately the elves lacked any Christmas spirit. They all looked depressed and didn't really lift the mood and get kids for excited. Great idea if done well. Overall ok for money but better things out there.
No toilet but otherwise a lovely place
Surprised to see the exterior still in such a mess. ‘Closed for renovations’ notices still displayed with no sign of works being carried out. School and nursery visits booked again for Chatelherault Country Park and other landmarks which are being funded and maintained. I’m curious as to know why the David Livingstone Centre is being neglected. I understand it comes down to funds.
Hate the place met my ex wife here, so glad she is away back to Africa
Went today and nothing opened. No toilets open and the only bin was away at the exit. Wanted to go walk round the garden how due to fact thsre was no toilets and i was with wheelchair users and had to leave and go elsewhere to use toilets. Several people turning up with children who also were under the impression that it was all open and had to leave. There was no signs that centre was shut. Totally disappointed would not recommend
Went on a Monday and it was closed place so run down and was attacked by a dog Only opens on a Saturday and Sunday eh won't be back Greatly and sadly disappointed �
We also went along this week only to find everything closed. Not a sign anywhere with accurate opening times/days. A quick search online also brings up old opening times. Might I suggest an update on the now limited opening?!!! During our very brief visit yesterday, we encountered several other very disappointed groups of people who had arrived to find the centre shut.
Rubbish visit. Closed and ended up a look round the garden. Very dissapoining.
Lovely coffee in the cafe. Had a really nice day walking around the grounds with my family x
Kids had a great time at the Easter egg hunt. Well organised and good fun. All staff/volunteers were lovely. Thank you.
I went along this afternoon with my 2 Sons, the oldest of whom is a wheelchair user and we all had a fantastic day. The staff were lovely, so polite and helpful, especially the lady who was working at the reception in the pavilion who looked after our stuff while we explored the museum and gardens (as well as giving my Sons some goodies to take away with us) and I was very proud explaining to my 7 year old all that Dr Livingstone achieved from the humblest of beginnings. The centre is wheelchair friendly and there were several groups of African families visiting today which gave me even more of a sense of pride seeing how revered the great man still is and the esteem he's held in for his opposition to the slave trade. I believe there is major investment being put in to spruce it all up a bit quite soon. With the volunteers that are making it such a memorable experience to visit the centre just now this can only enhance the setup and I'll look forward to visiting again soon. Thank you again 👍❤️😊
I love it here. Very interesting if you take a tour inside. Great gardens for a walk with or without dogs! (With is obviously the better option though...)
Had a brilliant day here yesterday, kids loved the egg hunt and the explorers garden and playing in the sand. Staff were lovely and the cafe were great. Face painting was amazing, very talented lady. Will definitely visit again
Had A Really Great Day Yesterday At Livvies In The Park With My Mum And Daughter,, The Weather Spoiled It For Today Got Soaked Three Times But Will Be Back For More Events In The Future Keep Up The Good Work.
Great place to walk your dog lovely
Scenery. It is due to get refurbished and I would definitely be back to visit the centre and to walk my dog in the future.
Daughter had a great time xxx was really good egg hunt xxx
Always went here as a boy
Wasn't too impressed with the park now. It's been several years since I've been and felt as if it's been neglected a bit. Grass was cut but but not picked up and we had to ask the volunteer grounds maintenance man to leave the toilets open. What a shame as it's got great potential xx
Took my 3 yr old to elf training. Great potential and good activities but unfortunately the elves lacked any Christmas spirit. They all looked depressed and didn't really lift the mood and get kids for excited. Great idea if done well. Overall ok for money but better things out there.
No toilet but otherwise a lovely place
Surprised to see the exterior still in such a mess. ‘Closed for renovations’ notices still displayed with no sign of works being carried out. School and nursery visits booked again for Chatelherault Country Park and other landmarks which are being funded and maintained. I’m curious as to know why the David Livingstone Centre is being neglected. I understand it comes down to funds.
Hate the place met my ex wife here, so glad she is away back to Africa
Went today and nothing opened. No toilets open and the only bin was away at the exit. Wanted to go walk round the garden how due to fact thsre was no toilets and i was with wheelchair users and had to leave and go elsewhere to use toilets. Several people turning up with children who also were under the impression that it was all open and had to leave. There was no signs that centre was shut. Totally disappointed would not recommend
Went on a Monday and it was closed place so run down and was attacked by a dog Only opens on a Saturday and Sunday eh won't be back Greatly and sadly disappointed �
We also went along this week only to find everything closed. Not a sign anywhere with accurate opening times/days. A quick search online also brings up old opening times. Might I suggest an update on the now limited opening?!!! During our very brief visit yesterday, we encountered several other very disappointed groups of people who had arrived to find the centre shut.
Rubbish visit. Closed and ended up a look round the garden. Very dissapoining.
Lovely coffee in the cafe. Had a really nice day walking around the grounds with my family x
Kids had a great time at the Easter egg hunt. Well organised and good fun. All staff/volunteers were lovely. Thank you.
I went along this afternoon with my 2 Sons, the oldest of whom is a wheelchair user and we all had a fantastic day. The staff were lovely, so polite and helpful, especially the lady who was working at the reception in the pavilion who looked after our stuff while we explored the museum and gardens (as well as giving my Sons some goodies to take away with us) and I was very proud explaining to my 7 year old all that Dr Livingstone achieved from the humblest of beginnings. The centre is wheelchair friendly and there were several groups of African families visiting today which gave me even more of a sense of pride seeing how revered the great man still is and the esteem he's held in for his opposition to the slave trade. I believe there is major investment being put in to spruce it all up a bit quite soon. With the volunteers that are making it such a memorable experience to visit the centre just now this can only enhance the setup and I'll look forward to visiting again soon. Thank you again 👍❤️😊
I love it here. Very interesting if you take a tour inside. Great gardens for a walk with or without dogs! (With is obviously the better option though...)
Had a brilliant day here yesterday, kids loved the egg hunt and the explorers garden and playing in the sand. Staff were lovely and the cafe were great. Face painting was amazing, very talented lady. Will definitely visit again
Had A Really Great Day Yesterday At Livvies In The Park With My Mum And Daughter,, The Weather Spoiled It For Today Got Soaked Three Times But Will Be Back For More Events In The Future Keep Up The Good Work.
Great place to walk your dog lovely
Scenery. It is due to get refurbished and I would definitely be back to visit the centre and to walk my dog in the future.
Daughter had a great time xxx was really good egg hunt xxx
Always went here as a boy
Wasn't too impressed with the park now. It's been several years since I've been and felt as if it's been neglected a bit. Grass was cut but but not picked up and we had to ask the volunteer grounds maintenance man to leave the toilets open. What a shame as it's got great potential xx
Took my 3 yr old to elf training. Great potential and good activities but unfortunately the elves lacked any Christmas spirit. They all looked depressed and didn't really lift the mood and get kids for excited. Great idea if done well. Overall ok for money but better things out there.
No toilet but otherwise a lovely place
Surprised to see the exterior still in such a mess. ‘Closed for renovations’ notices still displayed with no sign of works being carried out. School and nursery visits booked again for Chatelherault Country Park and other landmarks which are being funded and maintained. I’m curious as to know why the David Livingstone Centre is being neglected. I understand it comes down to funds.
Hate the place met my ex wife here, so glad she is away back to Africa
Went today and nothing opened. No toilets open and the only bin was away at the exit. Wanted to go walk round the garden how due to fact thsre was no toilets and i was with wheelchair users and had to leave and go elsewhere to use toilets. Several people turning up with children who also were under the impression that it was all open and had to leave. There was no signs that centre was shut. Totally disappointed would not recommend
Went on a Monday and it was closed place so run down and was attacked by a dog Only opens on a Saturday and Sunday eh won't be back Greatly and sadly disappointed �
We also went along this week only to find everything closed. Not a sign anywhere with accurate opening times/days. A quick search online also brings up old opening times. Might I suggest an update on the now limited opening?!!! During our very brief visit yesterday, we encountered several other very disappointed groups of people who had arrived to find the centre shut.
Rubbish visit. Closed and ended up a look round the garden. Very dissapoining.