Lews Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lews Castle |
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The Castle
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| Built | 1844–1851 |
| Built for | Sir James Matheson, 1st Baronet |
| Architect | Charles Wilson |
| Owner | Comhairle nan Eilean Siar |
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Listed Building – Category A
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| Designated | 25 March 1971 |
| Reference no. | LB18677 |
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Lews Castle (Scottish Gaelic: Caisteal Leòdhais) is a grand Victorian era castle. It stands west of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. This beautiful building was constructed between 1844 and 1851. It was originally a country home for a very wealthy businessman. Today, it serves as a museum, cultural center, and even has holiday apartments.
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Lews Castle: A Historic Scottish Landmark
Lews Castle is a large and impressive building. It was designed by a Glasgow architect named Charles Wilson. The castle was built for Sir James Matheson. He was a rich man who bought the entire Isle of Lewis a few years before building the castle.
A Gift to the Community
In 1918, the Matheson family sold the Lews Estate, which included the castle. An industrialist named Lord Leverhulme bought it. In 1923, he generously gave the castle to the people of Stornoway parish. This meant the castle became a gift for the local community.
Wartime Role
During the Second World War, Lews Castle played an important role. It was used to house air and ground crew from 700 Naval Air Squadron. These crews operated six Supermarine Walrus aircraft from a nearby slipway. The base at the castle was known as HMS Mentor.
New Life for the Castle
After the war, the castle was used for a short time. In the 1950s, it provided accommodation for students of Lews Castle College. However, after this, the building was left empty for many years.
Today, Lews Castle is owned by the local council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. It is protected as a very important historic building. In 2011, the castle received £4.6 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This money helped turn it into a museum and cultural center.
The ground floor of the castle reopened to the public in 2016. It now features a beautifully restored ballroom and a cafe. In 2017, a company called Natural Retreats opened luxury holiday apartments inside the castle. This means visitors can now stay in this historic building.
