The streets of Glasgow are filled with incredible historical architecture just waiting to be explored, and one of its most remarkable treasures is the Provand's Lordship. However, this isn’t just any old building, it’s the oldest house in the city. So, join us as we visit this historic Glaswegian landmark, and take you on a journey back in time!
After an extensive renovation, the Provand’s Lordship recently re-opened, and we were thrilled to be able to visit. Before we tour the house and gardens, let’s cover just a bit of its important history.
Provand’s Lordship Over the Centuries
Provand's Lordship was originally built in 1471 as the manse of the Master of the Chapel and Hospital of St. Nicholas (which once stood nearby). According to historical information provided, “in John M’Ure’s History of Glasgow, published in 1736, he states that the manse was also the residence of the Canon of Provan, one of the 32 Canons of the Cathedral Chapter”. Interestingly, there was/is no historical evidence to prove this connection. Nevertheless, the claim survived the centuries, and the house became known as Provand’s Lordship because the Canon of Provan held the title of Lord Provan.
After the Scottish Reformation, the house became a secular building and was a residential house for several families over the centuries. In the early 1800s, it was split up into apartments in the upper floor with commercial premises on the ground floor. In 1906, the Provand’s Lordship Society was formed to save the house as they realised it was one of the last surviving medieval houses in Glasgow. Alas, the upkeep of the house proved too much for the Society and they turned it over to the care of Glasgow Museums in 1980. From 2022-2024, the house underwent further renovations including a lime harling render on the outside of the building.
Provand’s Lordship has changed a great deal over the centuries and has seen Glasgow transform from a medieval burgh to the bustling metropolis it is today. Let’s take a wee tour of how the house looks today.
Provand’s Lordship in Modern Times
Today, Provand's Lordship offers a fascinating connection to Glasgow's rich past. Each room is meticulously decorated with period furnishings- most of which were provided by one of the Provand’s Lordship Society’s most famous members- Sir William Burrell. Burrell spent much of his wealth (which he inherited from the fortune his family made in shipbuilding) on collecting art and antiques. Fortunately, in a refreshingly philanthropic gesture, he donated his entire collection to the city of Glasgow in 1944.
Another famous member of the Provand’s Lordship Society was Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Looking at the highbacked chair (front right) at the table pictured below, I can’t help but wonder if it later inspired some of his famous furniture designs (we have quite a few upcoming blog posts related to Charles Rennie Mackintosh, be sure to subscribe to our blog so you don’t miss them).
Heading upstairs, there is a room furnished as it might have looked during the time of Cuthbert Simpson- the Master of the Hospital from 1501-1513.
As is the case with so many places around Scotland, Provand’s Lordship has a claim that ‘Mary stayed here’. Mary Queen of Scots is said to have visited the house in 1567 when she visited her second husband, Lord Darnley. Below are copies of paintings of the two.
Speaking of paintings, there are some lovely works of art on display by Thomas (Tom) McGoran. Tom was a retired railwayman who grew up in the East End of Glasgow in the 1930s, and his paintings reflect his memories of the area.
Here are some more photos from the interior:
Once you’ve explored the house, be sure to head outside and explore its exquisite garden. Originally designed in 1995, it honours the tradition of herbal medicine as well as Glasgow’s history.
What is particularly interesting is that there are stones in front of the various herb beds that represent the body. The herbs were/are used to treat the corresponding part of the body. Therefore, the garden not only serves as a beautiful retreat but also as a living museum, providing insight into the horticultural practices and daily life during the 1600s. Of course, the garden also recognises that herbalism is a living tradition.
As you wander about, don’t miss the Tontine Heads in the garden. This quirky collection of stone heads were once the keystones for the arches of Glasgow’s new town hall arcade which was founded in 1736. I thought they were a fun architectural surprise to find in the garden. That’s why it’s important to always carefully look up and down when on ‘explore and discover’ missions- you never know what you’ll see!
And, with that, we wrap up our tour of Provand’s Lordship house and garden. If you’re in Glasgow, be sure to put this amazing slice of history on your must-see itinerary. It is part of the medieval ‘Cathedral Precinct’ which includes Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis- both of which we covered in one of our previous article on Glasgow. St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art and the Glasgow Royal Infirmary Museum are also part of this historic quarter, and we will be covering them in upcoming articles.
Provand’s Lordship is open year-round, and the best part is that it’s free to enter (although we encourage you to make a donation if you can). The house falls under the umbrella of Glasgow Life, a charity that does amazing work to help residents and visitors appreciate so much of what Glasgow has to offer. Head over to their website so that you can best plan your visit to Provand’s Lordship.
Until next time- Explore & Discover!
