Overview
Explore the high tower and remains of the medieval headquarters of Scotland’s Knights Hospitaller.
Torphichen Preceptory was founded by David I in the 1100s. It was the Scottish base of operations for the order’s work, which involved sheltering and protecting pilgrims visiting the Holy Land.
Much of what we see today was built in the 1400s. Only a precious fragment of the knights’ house remains, but there are a few remarkable survivals. Spot the master mason’s working diagram for the ribbed vault etched into the south transept wall, or look up to find a remarkable painted wall decoration.
