Lews Castle stands in wooded grounds above Stornoway harbour on the Isle of Lewis. It was built between 1847 and 1857 for Sir James Matheson, who had bought the entire island in 1844, and its grounds are planted with trees brought in and established on ground that had carried none.
The castle now houses Museum nan Eilean, which tells the story of the islands and displays six of the Lewis Chessmen, on long-term loan from the British Museum. Entry to the museum and the grounds is free.
Lews Castle, Stornoway
Lews Castle, situated on the Isle of Lewis in Stornoway, is an important historical and architectural landmark. The castle, built in the mid-19th century, is now a significant cultural attraction that houses a museum, archive, and various other facilities.
Lews Castle was commissioned by Sir James Matheson, a wealthy Scottish merchant and landowner. Matheson made his fortune through the opium trade in China, and in 1844, he purchased the entire Isle of Lewis. He envisioned a grand estate for himself and his family and commissioned the construction of Lews Castle.
The castle was designed by the renowned Scottish architect Charles Wilson, who blended the popular Victorian Gothic style with traditional Scottish baronial elements. Construction began in the early 1850s and was completed in 1857. The estate featured extensive landscaped grounds, which included exotic plant species and trees imported from around the world.
In 1918, the Isle of Lewis was sold to Lord Leverhulme, a successful businessman and philanthropist who had ambitious plans for the island’s economic development. Leverhulme resided in Lews Castle for a brief period before gifting it to the people of Stornoway parish in 1923. Following this, the castle served various purposes, including a hospital during World War II, an accommodation for local technical college students, and a local school.
Today, Lews Castle is a beautifully restored and maintained heritage site that offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the rich history and culture of the Isle of Lewis and the Outer Hebrides. The castle’s restoration project, completed in 2016, has preserved its historical features while providing modern amenities for visitors and residents.
Some of the key attractions and facilities at Lews Castle include:
Lews Castle has become a focal point for the community and visitors alike, providing an insight into the Isle of Lewis’s rich history and culture while preserving an important architectural gem.
In short
Lews Castle stands in wooded grounds above Stornoway harbour on the Isle of Lewis, built between 1847 and 1857 for Sir James Matheson, who had bought the island in 1844. It now houses Museum nan Eilean, which displays six of the Lewis Chessmen on long-term loan from the British Museum. Both the museum and the grounds are free to enter.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lews Castle free to visit?
Yes. Museum nan Eilean inside the castle and the surrounding grounds are both free to enter. The museum has its own opening hours, which vary by season, but the grounds and their woodland walks are open at all times.
Can you see the Lewis Chessmen at Lews Castle?
Yes. Six of the chessmen are displayed at Museum nan Eilean in the castle, on long-term loan from the British Museum. They were found in the dunes at Uig on the west coast of Lewis in 1831.
Who built Lews Castle?
Sir James Matheson, who bought the whole Isle of Lewis in 1844 and had the castle built between 1847 and 1857. He also had the grounds planted with trees, on an island that had virtually none.
Where is Lews Castle?
On the north side of Stornoway harbour, a short walk from the town centre and the ferry terminal on the Isle of Lewis.