Balornock first appears on record in a Papal Bull dated 1171 in which "Budlornoc" along with Barlanark, into which Balornock was later incorporated, was confirmed as among the possessions of the canons of the Cathedral of Glasgow.
In medieval times certain lands within the barony and regality of Glasgow were set up as prebends or benefices for the clergy. The prebendary of Barlanark was in the peculiar position of having no parochial charge and drawing no teinds (tithes), but deriving his income solely from the produce of the land. In 1322 Robert I authorised John Wyschard "canon of the prebend of Barlanark" and his successors to possess the prebend in free warren, a sort of forest right, for ever, and all persons were forbidden to cut wood, hawk or hunt on the lands without license of the prebendary.
A canon required both a town house in Glasgow and a country residence on his estate. Glasgow's only surviving medieval house, Provand's Lordship, located near the Cathedral, is thought to have been the manse of the prebendary of Balornock, although excavations have revealed the remains of two similar houses. Provan Hall at Easterhouse was the prebendary's country residence. This late 15th century house is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland and managed by Glasgow City Council. Both properties are open to the public.
In 1522 the prebend was held by William Bailye, canon of "the prebend of Barlanark otherwise called Provand". Three Baillies in succession managed to hold the Prebend of Provan until the Reformation in 1560.