Provand's Lordship

Step back in time and discover Glasgow’s unique history with a visit to the oldest house in the city, built in 1471. It was originally part of a hospital and is one of only four medieval buildings to survive in Glasgow.

Provand’s Lordship, which was built in 1471 as part of a hospital in the cathedral precinct, is one of only four surviving medieval buildings in Glasgow. Beautifully preserved, the “auld hoose” is furnished with a fine selection of 17th-century Scottish furniture donated by Sir William Burrell, and a series of historic royal portraits. Room settings give a flavour of interiors around 1500 and 1700, so immerse yourself in medieval Glasgow with a visit to this fascinating building. 

Behind the building sits the St Nicholas Garden, a medicinal herb garden which is an oasis away from the calm. Find ​out more here.

This garden has been recreated in the style of gardens in the 15th Century, which were traditionally turned to culinary, medicinal use or sometimes an intricate complex knot box hedging. 

Cloisters​

The Cloisters are the enclosed, introverted space that is a perfect location to reflect on the world. The Cloisters overlook the garden at a higher level. They contain and enclose the central parterre and provide an elevated (but withdrawn) vantage point for visitors. The Cloisters also incorporate a ramped peripheral walkway for the Tontine Heads

Tontine Heads

Surrounding the garden, the cloistered walkway displays an intriguing collection of carved faces. These strange stone masks are known collectively as the Tontine Heads or Tontine Faces. Over the years these stone masks were scattered and eventually they were unearthed in various sites around the city, and finally reunited in 1995 when St Nicholas Garden was opened.