Church Overview

This historic T-plan kirk has been built on foundations using the demolished remains of the nave of the adjacent medieval Torphichen Preceptory, that was built by the Knights Hospitaller of the Order of St John of Jerusalem in the mid 12th century around the remains of an earlier church.

The Preceptory, now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland, comprised of an aisleless nave, central tower, transepts and choir and the remains of the Preceptor’s quarters, a dormitory, dining hall and kitchen, forming a cloistered courtyard on the north side of the church, can be seen outside. Its transepts and nave were rebuilt in the 15th century and the church continued in use after the Reformation as the local parish church. Its nave was demolished in 1756 to make room for what is now known as Torphichen Kirk.

The kirk is T-shaped, with three galleries, including a laird’s loft, facing the pulpit and a fine plaster ceiling above. Two unusual central pews were installed in 1803, these can be tipped back to form extended tables for the congregation to gather around to receive communion. The bird-cage belfry houses a bell by John Meikle, dated 1700 and the graveyard houses a fine collection of 17th-18th century memorials. Visitors will also find in its grounds a surviving medieval “sanctuary stone”, that marked out the defined boundaries (along with four more located in the adjacent fields) than an individual would once have been protected by the Church from pursuit or prosecution by their enemies.

Torphichen Kirk was linked in Avonbridge Parish Church in 1971 and in November 2024 the two buildings became part of a new united parish, joining with St Michael’s and St Ninian’s Craigmailen Churches in Linlithgow. In September 2026, during a programme of nationwide rationalisation of its building portfolio by the Church of Scotland, it was announced that Avonbridge and St Ninian’s Craigmailen Churches would be closed and sold and that the local community would be consulted about ways in which Torphichen Kirk might be retained and kept in use for the village.

Services

Sundays: 11.15am

Opening Arrangements

Open (parish church and preceptory) Easter to end September, Saturday and Sunday only 1pm-5.00pm,

Disclaimer

The information about churches in Scotland’s Churches Scheme has been provided by the congregations or taken from the Historic Scotland list and published sources, in particular, the Buildings of Scotland volumes and the RIAS Illustrated Architectural Guides. To contact this specific church please complete the Contact this Church form above. The information is not authoritative; please contact Scotland’s Churches Trust to let us know of any errors or omissions.