Bishop's Palace

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Bishop's Palace, also known as Gresham's Castle, is an ornate 19,082-square foot Victorian, located on Broadway Boulevard and 14th Street in the East End Historic District of Galveston.

The house was built between 1887 and 1893 by Galveston architect Nichols J. Clayton for lawyer and politician Walter Gresham, his wife Josephine, and their nine children.

The house was constructed in stone and made it sturdy enough to withstand the Great Storm of 1900. During the hurricane, the Greshams welcomed hundreds of survivors into their home.

Bishop's Palace has four floors. The raised basement which once housed the kitchen and servant's areas now contains a gift shop.

The home is estimated to have cost $250,000 at the time. It is estimated value today sits at over $5.5 million.

In 1923 the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galveston purchased the house and, situated across the street from the Sacred Heart Church, it served as the residence for Bishop Christopher E. Byrne. After the diocesan offices were moved to Houston, the diocese opened the mansion to the public.

In 1963, with proceeds from tours used to help fund the Newman Center, operating in the basement, serving Catholic students at the nearby University of Texas Medical Branch.

Today, the house is owned by the Galveston Historical Foundation and self-guided tours are available daily. A portion of each admission supports the preservation and restoration of the property.

Bishop’s Palace is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a must-see for visitors to the island.