Louis T Leonowens Mansion is a very interesting place to visit in Lampang. Here you can learn about the rich history of the colorful owner of this tourist attraction, as well as see the impressive house. In this article, you will find useful information and interesting facts about the mansion.
Louis T. Leonowens – who was he?
Louis Thomas Gunnis Leonowens was born on October 25, 1856, in Lynton, Western Australia, the youngest child in his family. He spent his early years in Indonesia, where his father (who died in 1859) was a hotel manager.
In 1862, his mother, Anna, accepted an invitation from the King of Siam, Mongkut (Rama IV), to teach English to the monarch’s children. Louis left with his mother and spent the next seven years in Siam, where he formed a close friendship with the king and his son, Prince Chulalongkorn.
In October 1868, Louis was on holiday with his mother in England. By this time, King Mongkut had died. Despite this, Anna was not invited back to the royal court and moved to work in New York. Louis, on the other hand, continued his education in Britain, although in 1871, at the age of just under 15, he also came to America. In the following years, he accumulated many debts, which contributed to his escape from the US to Australia.
In 1881, after arriving in Siam, he was given the rank of captain in the Royal Cavalry by his old friend, then King Chulalongkorn. After resigning from this position, Louis joined the Borneo Company, helping with its operations in the north of the country.
In 1905, he founded his own company, Louis Thomas Leonowens Company. At that time, construction began on his house in Lampang, which also became the company’s office. Louis lived there until he sold the company.
Louis T. Leonowens was married twice. His first wife was Caroline Knox, and they had a son, George, and a daughter, Anna. Caroline died in 1893. In 1900, he married Reta May. The marriage was childless.
Louis died on February 17, 1919, in Westcliff, England.
Louis T Leonowens Mansion – renovation of the buildings
For many years, Louis’ century-old Lampang mansion had been falling into ruin. Fortunately, the city authorities decided to protect the monument from destruction. This was to avoid the fate of the historic Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation building in neighboring Phrae. The demolition of this object caused nationwide outrage.
The reconstruction project was proposed in 2017 and approved in 2019. Work began in 2020 and was completed a year later. The renovation was carried out by the Fine Arts Department and Lampang Provincial Public Works and Town and Country Planning Office.
Louis T Leonowens Mansion as a museum
After the reconstruction work was completed, the place was opened as a museum. Various exhibits are presented, such as old photos, artifacts, furniture, and equipment.
The photographs and information tell the story of Louis’ career in Siam. The exhibits and buildings are a great way to feel the charm of the past and see what Lampang used to look like.
Tourist information
Location
Louis T Leonowens Mansion is located in Wiang Nua Sub-District, Lampang District.
Getting there
The convenient location of this tourist attraction allows easy access by songthaew, taxi, or carriage.
Opening hours
According to the current information, the place is open to visitors 24/7. The Forestry Department staff is responsible for supervision.
Is there an entrance fee to Louis T Leonowens Mansion?
No, admission is free. Only voluntary donations are collected to maintain the place.
Louis T. Leonowens in literature and art
Louis appears as a major character in books, films, TV series, and Broadway plays. Mostly as a young boy living in Siam with his mother.
He is one of the characters in the books “Anna and the King of Siam” by Margaret Landon and “Louis and the King of Siam” by William Syer.
Several films and TV series have also been made, including “Anna and the King of Siam” (1946), based on the novel of the same name, and “The King and I” (musical, 1956), “Anna and the King” (CBS comedy series, 1976), “Anna and The King” (film, 1999), and “The King and I” (animated film, 1999).
In addition, in 2015, “The King and I” was performed on Broadway, and two years later the show went on a national tour.
Interesting attractions near Louis T Leonowens Mansion
Wat Pratu Pong is very close. It is a beautiful temple characterized by Lanna architecture. On the same street where the temple is, the Lampang Cultural Street Market takes place on Fridays. The distance is about 350 m to the north. To the west is Wat Tamaoh.
Across the Wang River to the south is Wat Chetawan. Over 1 km further, also across the river, is the famous Kad Kong Ta Night Market.
Louis T Leonowens Mansion – summary
A trip to the mansion is a great idea if you want to learn about an important part of Lampang’s history, as well as Louis’ life in Siam. In addition, the proximity of other tourist attractions means that you can combine a visit to several important places at once. It will surely bring a lot of satisfaction. We invite you to visit Louis T Leonowens Mansion and enjoy exploring Lampang.
