Providence House
Historic site
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Providence House is a traditional 17th century burgh house in Inverkeithing in Fife, Scotland. The house is notable for its high state of preservation and stone carvings to the doorway.
| Providence House | |
|---|---|
Providence House carved stone lintel. | |
| Built | 1688 |
Listed Building – Category B | |
| Official name | 12, 14, 18 HIGH STREET, PROVIDENCE HOUSE |
| Designated | 12 July 1985 |
| Reference no. | LB35096 |
History
Records show Isobel Bairdie, daughter of John Bairdie of Salvege (near Inverkeithing), and her husband Alexander Anderson, a burgess of Inverkeithing, bought the house from James Kinglassie in 1687.[1]
In 1688, the original house was extended. The house became and remains a prominent, 3 storey with attic burgh tenement. The gable of Providence House is prominent, and marks the end of the wider section of High Street.[2]
On the keystone above the doorway, Isobel Bairdie's initials - "I.B." - were engraved. Also engraved is "GODS PROVIDENCE IS MY INHERITANCE" with the year 1688.[3]
On her husband's death, Isobel inherited the house.[1]
The house was the subject of J. Gibson's painting "Providence House, Inverkeithing" in the 1970s.[4]
The house was awarded Category B listed status by Historic Scotland in July 1985. Their statement of special interest says Providence House "...belongs to a small group of important 17th century burgess houses still standing in the core of Inverkeithing's historic burgh".[3]
In the late 20th century, a glass shop front was added to the ground floor.[3]
Photographs
Carved Stone Lintel above the doorway.
Providence House, west elevation.
