Torphichen Preceptory

When Torphichen Precepotry it was the only Scheduled Order of Malta in Scotland. From the former monastery is still preserved the Church essentially. This is located on the northeast edge of the village of Torphichen in West Lothian Council Area and was inducted into the Scottish lists of monuments in the highest category A monument in 1971. Furthermore, both the overall system as well as a stone on the associated cemetery as a Scheduled Monument are classified.

History

The Scottish King David I gave the Order of Malta, the lands in the 12th century. In the same century the monastery was begun with the construction. Of the buildings fragments are still preserved today at best, which reflect the extent of the sprawling complex. The construction of the church building obtained at larger parts began in the 13th century, however, dragged on until well into the 15th century. The transept and part of the nave of a Gothic church were later incorporated into the parish church to this day used by Torpichen. Whether formerly existed in the choir, is not clear.