Scottish Castles Photo Library
- Provan Hall, Glasgow
Provan Hall is now in Auchinlea Park, surrounded by the housing estate of Easterhouse, consisting mainly of local authority rented accommodation. But in the second half of the 15th century, Provan Hall was built by the "prebendary" (ecclesiastical canon) of Provan or Barlanark. It dates from around the same time as Provand's Lordship beside Glasgow Cathedral, which was owned by the same official. Indeed, there are some who argue that Provan Hall is older than that building (which is marketed as the oldest house in Glasgow).
Before the Reformation, the Diocese of Glasgow stretched as far as the English border and the Bishop of Glasgow's barony covered an area which was roughly the same as the present-day city. The Prebend or "Provand" of Barlanark provided income for a canon of the cathedral without having to perform any parochial duties. At one time, there were 32 prebendaries of Glasgow Cathedral. Provan Hall was in good hunting country and King James IV would visit there to hunt with his friend Bishop (later Archbishop) Robert Blackadder.
The prebend later passed to James IV's illegitimate son, Alexander Stewart, who became Archbishop of St Andrews. He died with his father King James IV at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. Though still technically a prebend, it was held from 1506 by the Baillie family,who gave their name to the Ballieston district of Glasgow. The family continued to hold the land after the Reformation.
The arms of the Hamilton family, which are visible on the walls, are mid 17th century. In 1667, Provan Hall was bought and maintained by the city of Glasgow, before reverting to private ownership a century later. A dwelling house was added to the older block in the 18th century. In 1938 Provan Hall was acquired by the National Trust for Scotland, but later leased to Glasgow City Council.
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