If you live in Texas, you might know Bishop’s Palace, also known as Gresham House or Castle House, as one of the grand historic buildings in Galveston.
The Bishop’s Palace is located on Broadway and 14th Street in the East End Historic District of Galveston, Texas.
It was built between 1887 and 1893 by Galveston architect Nicholas J. Clayton for lawyer and politician Walter Gresham, his wife Josephine, and their nine children.
In 1923, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galveston bought the house. It became the home of Bishop Christopher E. Byrne, right across from Sacred Heart Church.
Later, when the diocese moved to Houston, they opened the mansion for public tours in 1963. The money from these tours helped support the UT medical school’s Newman Center, which was in the basement.
Now, the Galveston Historical Foundation owns the house. It’s a favorite spot for tourists and is known as one of the most important Victorian homes in the U.S.
The Bishop’s Palace is a fancy Victorian-style house spanning 19,082 square feet. It’s made of strong stone and steel, which helped it survive big storms like the Great Hurricane in 1900. That’s why it’s now a National Landmark and considered one of America’s top 100 buildings.
Back when it was built, it cost about $250,000. Today, it’s worth over $5.5 million!
The exterior
The exterior of the home features sculpted granite, limestone, and sandstone.
From the outside, Bishop’s Palace doesn’t seem very big, but it’s actually huge! It has four floors and covers 19,082 square feet. The ground floor is now a gift shop, and the three floors above it are the main living areas.
There is a detailed steel railing along every balcony and walkway outside Bishop’s Palace. Plus, there are lots of cool rare minerals and ornaments all around the place.
The Interior
Inside the home, there is fancy furniture and luxurious decorations.
The parlor is a lavish space adorned with rich wood paneling, elegant furnishings, and elaborate ceiling decorations. The dining room is equally impressive, with its opulent chandeliers and intricate woodwork.
Throughout the house, you’ll find several ornate fireplaces, with one fireplace even having a lining of real silver!
These fireplaces are adorned with intricate tile work, carved stone mantels, and decorative elements that reflect the Victorian era’s opulence and craftsmanship.
Staircase
One of the highlights of Bishop’s Palace is its beautiful staircases.
The main 40-foot staircase is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring intricately carved wood banisters and ornamental details.
As we ascend the stairs, you’ll notice the fancy Sienna marble columns.
Stained glass windows
These are expensive, and detailed stained glass windows. Unfortunately, many of the originals got broken by hurricanes and had to be changed.
Supposedly, the Bishop who lived here after the Greshams put his own touch on the new ones!
Lion of St Mark outside Bishop’s Palace
Bishop’s Palace is also home to a collection of sculptures and artwork, adding to its beauty and grandeur.
From marble statues to bronze sculptures, these pieces reflect the tastes and interests of the Gresham family and showcase the artistry of the time.
