The monument was erected by order of Tsar Alexander II after he learned about the existence of a cemetery for Russian prisoners of war in the small English town of Lewis.

The Battle of Bomarsund in August 1854 took place during the Crimean War when Anglo-French forces attacked the Russian fortress. It was the only major battle of the war that occurred in Bomarsund on the Baltic Sea. The Bomarsund fortress, construction of which began in 1832, was located in Sund on the Åland Islands.

List of Russian prisoners of war buried in Lewis as of February 18, 1904:

Gustaf Husar, 21 years, December 23, 1854

Johann Most, 34 years, December 11, 1854

Lindstrum Matts, 21 years, April 17, 1855

Williander Victor, 22 years, April 2, 1855

Yalo Joel, 22 years, April 10, 1855

Helin Johan, 27 years, February 14, 1855

Grawroos Michel, 21 years, July 17, 1855

Weiktars Carl, 27 years, July 4, 1855

Hillman Matts, 25 years, June 13, 1855

Kyro Gustaf, 22 years, March 27, 1855

Kiih David, 23 years, May 7, 1855

Rof Johan, 26 years, May 1, 1855

Grod Carl, 23 years, September 18, 1855

Waso Victor, 27 years, September 8, 1855

Granat Adolf, 32 years, April 15, 1856

Kivi Eric, 40 years, April 10, 1856

Lilja Matts, 22 years, April 20, 1856

Lindfors Abraham, 28 years, April 7, 1856

Mort Mathias, 20 years, April 12, 1856

Onistron Johan, 24 years, February 26, 1856

Mild Mickell, 21 years, January 25, 1856

Seth Mickell, 27 years, January 23, 1856

Boll Carl, 23 years, June 12, 1856

Kivi Johan, 21 years, June 16, 1856

Asp Matt, 23 years, March 6, 1856

Lind Carl, 20 years, March 7, 1856

Storm Joseph, 24 years, March 20, 1856

Information provided by the portal "Russian Heritage in the UK Society."