Bishop’s Palace (Galveston, TX)

On August 8, 2019, I had the wonderful opportunity to tour Galveston’s historic Bishop’s Palace, also known as as Gresham’s Castle.

IMG_4223-1Bishop's Palace 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550

This Victorian-style castle was named “one of the 100 most important buildings in America” by the American Institute of Architects. The home was build from 1886 to 1892 by a lawyer Colonel Walter Gresham and designed by Nicholas Clayton, Galveston’s premier architect.

IMG_0402Bishop's Palace 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550

Galveston’s best-known and grandest building was built from Texas granite, white limestone, and red sandstone, which were all cut and shaped on site. It’s hand-carved interior woodwork was made of several rare woods, such as rosewood, satinwood, white mahogany, American oak, and maple. It has intricately carved ornaments, stained-glass windows, bronze dragons and other sculptures, luxury materials and furnishings, and impressive fireplaces from around the world. Upon Gresham’s request, Clayton showcased the house’s numerous fireplaces with rare and luxurious materials, such as African marble and pure silver.

First Floor: 

Basement/Store

IMG_4147

Bishop’s Palace has four floors. The raised basement, which was once a kitchen and servant’s areas, is now a store. This basement is followed by three formal floors. The audio tour allows you to view the first three floors.

Second Floor:

Entryway

IMG_4184Bishop's Palace (Entryway) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_4184Bishop's Palace (Entryway) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550

Music Room

IMG_0321Bishop's Palace (Music Room) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0321Bishop's Palace (Music Room) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550

Parlor

IMG_0322Bishop's Palace (Parlor) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0322Bishop's Palace (Parlor) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0322Bishop's Palace (Parlor) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0322Bishop's Palace (Parlor) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550

Library/Office

IMG_4174Bishop's Palace (Library/Office) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_4174Bishop's Palace (Library/Office) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_4174Bishop's Palace (Library/Office) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_4174Bishop's Palace (Library/Office) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550

Dining Room/Conservatory

IMG_0330Bishop's Palace (Dining Room/Conservatory) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0330Bishop's Palace (Dining Room/Conservatory) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 Butler’s Pantry

IMG_0331Bishop's Palace (Butler's Pantry) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 Kitchen

IMG_0336Bishop's Palace (Kitchen) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 Back Hall/Coat Room

IMG_0339Bishop's Palace (Back hall/Coat Room) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550

Rotunda Staircase

IMG_4152Bishop's Palace (Rotunda Staircase) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_4152Bishop's Palace (Rotunda Staircase) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_4152Bishop's Palace (Rotunda Staircase) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_4152Bishop's Palace (Rotunda Staircase) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 Third Floor:

Living Room

The Gresham family often listened to music here during the hot summer months.

IMG_4191Bishop's Palace (Living Room) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 Bishop’s Bedroom

This was originally a bedroom of one of the Gresham daughters, but Bishop Byrne chose it for his own with its private balcony and lighting. He converted the closet into a bathroom.

IMG_0362Bishop's Palace (Bishop's Bedroom) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0362Bishop's Palace (Bishop's Bedroom) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0362Bishop's Palace (Bishop's Bedroom) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 Chapel

This was also previously one of the Gresham daughter’s bedrooms. When the Diocese moved in, the windows were replaced with stained-glass, and a fresco depicting the four gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) was painted on the ceiling. The room was also outfitted with an altar and six prayer kneelers. IMG_0358Bishop's Palace (Chapel) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0358Bishop's Palace (Chapel) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0358Bishop's Palace (Chapel) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0358Bishop's Palace (Chapel) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0358Bishop's Palace (Chapel) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0358Bishop's Palace (Chapel) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0358Bishop's Palace (Chapel) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550

Mr. Gresham’s Room/1900 Storm

IMG_0352Bishop's Palace (Mr. Gresham's Room/1900 Storm) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0352Bishop's Palace (Mr. Gresham's Room/1900 Storm) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0352Bishop's Palace (Mr. Gresham's Room/1900 Storm) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0352Bishop's Palace (Mr. Gresham's Room/1900 Storm) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0352Bishop's Palace (Mr. Gresham's Room/1900 Storm) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 Mrs. Gresham’s Bedroom/Bathroom/Gresham Children

IMG_0351Bishop's Palace (Mrs. Gresham's Bedroom/Bathroom/Gresham Children) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0351Bishop's Palace (Mrs. Gresham's Bedroom/Bathroom/Gresham Children) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0351Bishop's Palace (Mrs. Gresham's Bedroom/Bathroom/Gresham Children) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550

Mr. Gresham’s Bedroom
IMG_4202Bishop's Palace (Mr. Gresham's Bedroom) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_4202Bishop's Palace (Mr. Gresham's Bedroom) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 Third Floor (NOT PICTURED):

The Boy’s Room

Mrs. Gresham’s Art Studio

Additional Storage

END OF TOUR

IMG_0340Bishop's Palace 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0340Bishop's Palace 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 Visit one of Galveston’s architectural treasures.

Bishop’s Palace

1402 Broadway

Galveston, TX 77550

For ticket and tour information,

Phone: (409)762-2475

Thank you!

Dr. Angela L. Mitchell

Revelation ALM Studios