Provand's Lordship

A medieval survivor

Provand's Lordship is one of only four medieval buildings left in Glasgow. It was put up in 1471 as part of a hospital founded by the bishop, and it has outlasted almost everything else from the old cathedral town around it. Low ceilings, thick walls and narrow stairs give a real sense of how people lived five centuries ago. The house has been altered over the centuries but keeps its medieval core, and it is now run as a museum by Glasgow Life.

Inside and outside

Rooms show a collection of 17th-century furniture, Scottish royal portraits and displays on the house and the area around it. Behind the building, the St Nicholas Garden is a small, walled retreat with the carved Tontine Heads, stone faces that once decorated a city-centre building. The garden is a quiet place to sit even if you only have a few minutes, and it is free to wander.

Planning a visit

Allow about 45 minutes. Entry is free, with donations welcome. Combine it with Glasgow Cathedral across the precinct and the Necropolis on the hill behind, which together make a strong half-day in the east end of the city centre. The museum opens daily, with slightly later starts on Fridays and Sundays. An autism-friendly storyboard and a British Sign Language introduction are available to help plan a visit.

Highlights

• Built in 1471, Glasgow's oldest house
• Free entry
• 17th-century furniture and royal portraits
• St Nicholas Garden with the Tontine Heads

Good to know

• Free entry; donations welcome.
• Guide and assistance dogs are welcome; there is no hearing loop.
• Contact the venue about step-free access before visiting.

Frequently asked questions