Lejondal Castle History
The castle is one of Sweden’s youngest and was completed in 1892, and was erected by the Liberian Louise De Geer (1856-1935). The architect was Professor Isak Classon (1856-1930), who also designed the Hallwyl Palace and the Nordic Museum. The building style is predominantly Wasa style, although one can see the influences of other styles. Louise, born Sparre, adorned her castle very beautifully, and you will find the family arms of the two genera Sparre and De Geer. In 1914 Louise sold the castle, and since then it has had several owners.
SUMMARY OF HISTORY
Lejondal Castle is one of Sweden’s youngest castles – built in 1892, together with Thorskogs and Tjolöholms Slott on the west coast, Bjertorp in Västergötland and Teleborg in Växjö among the last castles built.
The history of the property goes back to the early 1400s when it was owned by the English Queen Filippa, but was then called Bro-Lövsta. The name Lejondal came about in the 17th century under the ownership of Erik Abrahamsson Lion’s head, who changed the name of the property to his own last name.
In 1736, the Gripenstedt couple came here and argued in part with their religious affiliation – they were pietists, and did not like the Royal Majesty – especially not the detail that they refused to baptize their children. It was decided on forced baptism, which meant that the local authorities and the priest had to look for all the children and baptize them with coercion – this was a rather difficult job as there were 17 children in the family. According to what we found, the last two children were never baptized – they simply gave up. The couple remained at Lejondal for life and remained firm in their faith. (If anyone wonders, they lived in a house located where the house with the bell stack, along with Lou’s house, is today)
In the 19th century it is interesting when Governor Eric Sparre moves here, for 1852 Louise Sparre was born. She grew up to be a very beautiful and strong young lady who wanted to make a social career – she managed to get a job as a royal court lady at Karl the 15’s court, and the rumor says that they also had a romance together.






Photo credit: Simon Donini.
https://www.simondonini.com/