38337: History of the Mackenzies of Lewis
Mackenzie of Kintail bought the Isle of Lewis from Sir George Hay and Sir James Spence, the last of the Fife Adventurers, in 1610 for 10,000 merks, after their attempt at colonisation had failed. The island was in the possession of the Mackenzie family – the Earl Seaforth and his successors – from 1610 until 1844, when it was sold to James Matheson for 190,000.
The Seaforths suffered many misfortunes and early deaths, attributed to a curse made about 1670 by Coinneach Odhar, the Brahan Seer who is said to have come from Baile na Cille in Uig. The curse particularly affected the family of Lord Seaforth (FH Mackenzie). The adherence of the 4th and 5th Earls to the Jacobite cause also did little to advance their fortunes.
Mackenzie proprietors
1610 Kenneth, Lord Mackenzie of Kintail
1611 Colin Mackenzie, 1st Earl of Seaforth. Built Seaforth Castle in 1623.
1633 George Mackenzie, 2nd Earl of Seaforth
1651 Kenneth Mackenzie, 3rd Earl of Seaforth
1678 Kenneth Mackenzie, 4th Earl of Seaforth. Built the Seaforth Lodge in 1690.
1701 William Mackenzie, 5th Earl of Seaforth
1740 Kenneth Mackenzie, Lord Fortrose
1761 Lord Fortrose, Baron Ardelve, Viscount Fortrose, Earl of Seaforth
sold to his cousin
1779 Lt Col Thomas Mackenzie Humberston
left to his brother
1783 Francis Humberston Mackenzie, Lord Seaforth, Baron Mackenzie of Kintail
latterly in the hands of trustees, and passed to his daughter
1815 Mary Frederica Elizabeth, Lady Hood, later Hon Mrs Stewart Mackenzie
sold by auction in Edinburgh to
1824 James Alexander Stewart Mackenzie
latterly in the hands of trustees, sold in 1844 to James Matheson.
Details
- Record Type:
- Historical Event
- Type Of Event:
- Period Of Ownership
- Record Maintained by:
- HC