One of the great things about exploring a new city is looking around and wondering about the history of the homes and businesses you are passing. Especially in a city as old as Providence, Rhode Island, you can be sure that a huge chunk of the buildings you pass have a compelling past that is worthy of some more research. Sadly sometimes not much is known about a spot no matter how fascinating it may look, but luckily, Providence historians are pretty good at digging up the past and making sure we know about it, like with this gorgeous home on the West End.
Barnaby Castle is known all over Providence and if you’re walking through the West End it is more than worth taking a detour simply to admire it.
Barnaby Castle/Facebook
The home was built in two separate periods, 1875 and 1888 by two well know Providence architects. The creative mish-mash of architectural styles however, can all be attributed to the curiously named owner of the home Jerothmul Bowers Barnaby (hence the name Barnaby Castle.)
Barnaby Castle/Facebook
Jerothmul had a family fortune that he turned into a large chain of men’s haberdasheries, making him one of the wealthier men in Providence.
Barnaby Castle/Facebook
When Jerothmul passed away, his widow Josephine was left with mere pocket change in his will, and as such she sought the council of her friend Dr. Thatcher Graves, who suggested she sue the majority of the family, at which she succeeded and won.
Barnaby Castle/Facebook
Unfortunately, it seems, Dr Graves has a very particular reason for encouraging this lawsuit, because Josephine died soon after becoming wealthy from drinking poisoned whiskey that the Doctor allegedly sent her.
Barnaby Castle/Facebook
The case was one of the more scandalous of the time, and Graves was convicted, sentenced to death, and later appealed the sentence and was released. However, he chose to take his life in his cell before he even got out of it.
Barnaby Castle/Facebook
While the house is not rumored to be haunted by Josephine or Jerothmul, this history definitely adds some color to what you may have just seen as a beautiful, if slightly strange looking home.
Barnaby Castle/Facebook
If you’re intrigued by this story, there is a book written by Josephine’s great grandson that goes into more detail about the case and is entitled A Revolting Transaction. Will you be taking a walk down Broadway to observe Barnaby Castle closer? Or maybe visiting their (traditionally) annual Halloween Soiree which you can get more information about on the houses Facebook page?
Barnaby Castle/Facebook
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Address: Barnaby Castle, 299 Broadway, Providence, RI 02903, USA
