Calder House

Calder House is the home of James Sandilands, the present Lord Torphichen and his family since the 12th century His ancestor became Master of the Knights of the Order of St John whose headquarters for Scotland were at Torphichen Priory some few miles to the north. During the Scottish Reformation in 1560 Calder House was the scene of the first Holy Communion according to the Protestant Church by John Knox, the great reformer. He was a regular visitor to the house and preached to the crowds gathered on the hill beside the church.
Frederick Chopin stayed with the family during his convalesance from TB.
David Livingstone was another regular visitor whilst home from Africa on leave.
From the 12th to the 18th century the village grew up by the gates and around the Kirk, however when the then Lord Torphichen wanted to improve his land he resettled the villagers homes to the east by the river.