Thomson's House

Thomson's House
Thomsoun's House from south aspect.
Location2-4 Bank Street, Inverkeithing
Coordinates56°01′52″N 3°23′49″W / 56.03098°N 3.39698°W / 56.03098; -3.39698
Built1617
Restored byPeter J. Findlay
Listed Building – Category A
Official name2, 4 Bank Street, Thomson's House
Designated11/12/1972
Reference no.LB35090
Shown in Fife

Thomson's House, built in 1617, is a traditional burgh town house located on Bank Street, Inverkeithing in Fife, Scotland. A pre-eminent and example of its type, the house is category A listed by Historic Scotland.

History

Thomson's House, which dates from 1617, was built for John Thomson and his wife Bessie, as indicated by a stone lintel above the entrance showing the initials IT and BT, as well as a merchant's mark and an inscription of psalm 127.[1][2]

This house was restored between 1964 and 1966 by former owner Peter J. Findlay. This included an extension to the south of the property around 1966, replacing a gap which was formerly the site of the Old Music Hall (built around 1859 and burned in 1957).[1][2]

In December 1972, the house was granted grade A listing by Historic Scotland. Their statement of special interest for Thomson's House indicates: "[the house] is the best-preserved example of 17th century domestic burgh architecture in Inverkeithing and is a pre-eminent example of its type, similar to some of the best buildings in Culross".[1][2]

Architecture

Thomson's House is a traditional 17th-century burgh town house. The house is three storeys, with a three-stage corbelled cap-house stair tower to the south west corner of the property.[1][2]

The house features vibrant mustard yellow lime harling to the outside.[3]

The front features a carved over-door pediment and window lintel panel. Partially faded, the pediment reads: 'IT BT / EXCEPT THE / LORD BVLD [sic] THE HOVS THEY / LABOVR IN VAINE THAT BVILD/ IT. PSALM –- –17'.[4][5]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "2, 4 BANK STREET, THOMSON'S HOUSE (LB35090)". portal.historicenvironment.scot. Archived from the original on 2024-11-30. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  2. ^ a b c d Stuff, Good. "Thomson's Lodging, 2-4 Bank Street, Inverkeithing, Inverkeithing, Fife". britishlistedbuildings.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  3. ^ Network, Heritage Trust (2024-02-05). "Exploring Inverkeithing's A-listed Trail". Heritage Network. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  4. ^ "Inverkeithing, 2-4 Bank Stree... | Place | trove.scot". www.trove.scot. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  5. ^ "Pedimented doorway | Archive | trove.scot". www.trove.scot. Retrieved 2025-10-22.