How ONE man built a CASTLE over 53 years
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- Jim Bishop's homemade castle is like nothing you've ever seen before. Over 53 years, Bishops castle was built rock by rock, with the help of a pickup truck, Jim Bishop, a welder by trade, built this 165 ft tall castle in the wilds of Colorado in the summer months. For Full Video, check out our channel.
Thanks for watching! Check out our channel for the full 13 minute long episode that takes you on the full tour. We are small team (2-3 people) that produce/film/edit original content. Subscribe for more Coolest Things!
🫶🏻🫶🏻
Constructive criticism, no disrespect; lose the background noise.
The subject & narration is great! The addition of distracting, monotonous & annoying music ruined the vid for me.
Amazing definitely gonna have to check this oit's weird saying this But something abou that structure Sure seems to be saying something not sure What?That might be but I sure like to find out
We used to throw Massive parties here. One time we made a huge witches cauldron of mushroom tea.
Its an ahhhmazing work of art. He did the masonry but also the wrought iron (including an actually fire breathing dragon), woodwork, etc etc. Literally everything. And ALL BY HIMSELF for the most part.
This family is really cool.
The only problem was parking. Only a winding Colorado mt. 2 lane backroad we could barely park on the side of. The neighbors hated us. So the parties came to an end.
The party era of Bishops Castle was a fabulous moment in time. And it was me and my homies, Mother Earth Sound System ❤ in the early Oughts.
@@savage22bolt32
Why do you go to read my playlists and do something useful
Constructive criticism
I live about 15 minutes away from this castle and it is an absolutely beautiful building. Stained glass and intricate ironwork everywhere. Mr. Bishop is a little crazy but he’s a hell of a guy. Still building on it to this day!
Remember the massive Dance Parties we used to throw in the early 00s?
Lucky you I’d like to visit it
We are all a little crazy ya thisan is not crazy he is determined!!
Nobody that has ever accomplished anything worthwhile that was "sane"
Define “crazy”. He may well consider some of your behaviour and personality traits as such. Or he may not pass any judgement publicly or privately. He may just see everyone as individuals with their own temperament, charm, passion and charisma. Which all adds to the wonderful diversity of human characteristics.
It's amazing what a determined man can accomplish with a pickup.
and amazing what one earthquake can do in 10 seconds
*Taliban have entered the chat*
This is not just any man though. These seem like some very special men. The sheer will and craftsmanship ship is insane.
@@Secretgeek2012😂 💣
@@Secretgeek2012gotta love a 1990 Toyota Hilux with a 50 cal bolted to the back
I loved Jim Bishop, living in Colorado he was the only celebrity you could go see that would talk to you and mean every minute of it. He's a real one.
Awesome
How did he learn to construct?
Dragon man is the same way imo
I'm from Australia and I went to Bishops Castle in 2014. It's absolutely amazing and I was fortunate enough to meet Mr Bishop and hear some of his stories first-hand. Incredible man who has lived a very full and interesting life. Go see it if you can, it's truly worth it
Free the aboriginals.
@@Tebohomotitimi... Aboriginals are fine. It's others got the real problems ...
What compelled you to go? Was it sole reason to visit America/Colorado?
Since he has a son, I'm guessing he's been laid at least once in his life.
What part of Australia are you from? Are you coming back soon?
It was so cool watching them build Bishop's Castle over the years. I lived in Westcliffe in 2001-2003 and visited their castle a lot. It's nice to see how far they've come since then.
Do you remember the Mother Earth Sound System parties we threw at Bishops in that era?
And by them you mean Jim, because almost everything was him alone. Now thay his health is failing his son is taking over.
We lived in Westcliffe from 1998 - 2001. Went Castle several times.
@@brockn7878 did I throw those ??
@@wilsonstrong5597 ?
Me and my friends did. Were you there?
That takes persistence on a level most people never achieve.
Beautiful castle.
Nothing better than watching a true craftsman work.
Except that’s not a castle it’s a stone house built with modern mortar and not really suited for siege defence. Since it doesn’t project power it’s not really a castle.
Stfu @@guypierson5754 this is a castle
@@guypierson5754it's also mostly mortar, so it's technically closer to a mudhut
Nothing better than watching this thing fall over in a bad thunderstorm.
Craft are most certainly not available. Typical superficial USAmerican way of life 😉
If I ever travel to the USA...Colorado and Bishops castle will be my first port of call.
Colorado is a pretty state. Utah is next to Colorado and has some beautiful national parks as well.
Wait until after November
@@adamcharest7228 2 hot ?
You need to visit our prostitutes. They're semi-above average! But you'll definitely get a disease if you say hello to them, so use protection
@@adamcharest7228I’d come before November, no matter who wins, there will massive riots from either side
I love Bishops castle we live 20 mins away and have been there quite a few times and love to see how it's grown.
Is it up to code?
When you absolutely gotta have a castle!!!
You can get a castle in France for like 20k no heating electric or anything tho lol
@@bruhdon4748If I won the big lottery you can bet I am getting a castle built. I bet I can find a crew who would like to work on a year's long project.
That's the dream
@@bruhdon4748source?
Here in the “free” USA you gotta get a permit, for everything including the window replacement
Never underestimate a man with an old pickup truck.
Lol, Clint Eastwood comes to mind 😂😂😂🎉
And a 500$ crane
is 2008 old? cuz if so i make the cut…
@@konflictification it could make the cut, depending on mileage and condition of the bed hahaha
Just kidding… I get the feeling you’re a “get shit done” kind of man.
@@konflictificationno. thats only 16 years old. its old when its 25.
Born and raised not far away. We would go fishing down the road so I always wanted to go visit Bishops Castle I remember his dad working on it even hanging high in the air great memories 🙏
My daughter lives in westcliff, last time I visited we her we went to Bishops Castle. One of the coolest things I've ever seen. Cant wait to go back. Amazing this was build by one man.
Two men really, dad and son
The man is a true beast! Not all men created equal. Its his passion and i hope he gets the recognition he deserves.
Don't go against God's Word
@@Randy-nm2ru
oh my god stop. no one wants u to force ur religion onto them. jesus fcken christ, dude.
@Randy-nm2ru This guy be screaming when the turbulence hit on the plane.
😂
People are equal in capacity, not effort
@@MrMeeseeksthe1st
Not even in capacity. There is a massive amount of variance between individuals.
Long live Jim Bishop, and his Castle. Many times listening to him talk(rant) while he was working on the castle. One of my favorite places on earth. Thank you Castle Builder Jim
I'm glad someone made a video for the whole world to admire
Bishop’s Castle is a must see in Colorado. I’ve been several times and my kiddos love it.
I miss Colorado. Am a native and lived my first 21 years of life there.
Don’t come back. It’s getting to be as bad as California (commiefornia)
I loved there 12 years I love it and miss it big time
I live in Colorado now. The Democrat has destroyed this state.
@@katkilr7685 yes they have.
@@keeganb9477 I thought about putting for a name change
To "LITTLE CALIFORNIA"
One of the most absolutely epic places in Colorado
And it was one of the few cool places in the state not completely swarmed with tourons... Till now lol
@@JearbearDC I totally agree with you. I'm born, raised here and I've watched our once incredible state go down the drain. The past few years have been the worst and my wife and I are looking elsewhere to move. The culture, environment and economic stability of the state have completely disappeared. It's a disgrace what's happend here. We've become California 2.0
@@JearbearDCWhich is it? You blame the minimum wage, but then you say it's col extortion. Which is it? You're okay with predatory corporations, but not people being able to afford to live. You say the democrats ruined colorado, but it seems like your state's people have spoken. That's how our country works. Love it or Leave It.
Geez. A lot of hours of hard work went into that place.
Beautiful job
Wonder if Israel will bomb it?
You really gotta admire the hard work. Hopefully you don't admire it as much as you admire palestine or this man will be homeless soon 😅
looks like he could put some more work on that 2nd son. poor dude looks broken
@@john-ic5pz that was HIM not the son
Born and Rasied in pueblo!! I have so many memories of this place
That beautiful!!! Family treasure for generations to come. He didn’t do it for himself! ❤
So we're do you live?
Castle...
What...
@@Sammy-forgetaboutit-Tony just take a step back and think about what I said without your way of thinking.
He did it cause he is spiteful and hates the government so he stole materials from local land violating several laws in the process.
@@MrVxBojanglesxv stole material?? My guy, are you a city boy? Have you ever been next to a river??? You see those rocks in the river? They come from the mountains. Usually over time the mountains crumble and the rocks end up in the river.
@@MrVxBojanglesxvThe government doesn't care about the people, grow up already.
I love this story. It inspires me. I'm an old guy building my own "castle." This is the real thing. BRILLIANT! Thx guys for the story!
I had the pleasure of visiting Bishops Castle 2yrs ago. What a magnificent exhibit of one man's vision and dedication...simply amazing and amazingly beautiful!!
Fantastic!! Ive been to the castle several times.... absolutely amazing 😍😍😍😍😍
tell us about it please
@@edwardchemotti it is made of stone. The inside stairwells are narrow but go all the way to the top. The middle floor does have benches, and stained glass windows are throughout. The dragon runs off propane so they can make it a fire breathing dragon! There are wrought iron ballistrads so you can walk around the outside levels of the castle. It is in a forested area and not very far from a lake.....very pretty. It's mailbox is a miniature castle! They did have a gift shop, which burned down. Don't know if they rebuilt it. There was talk that people could sleep at the castle in a room. My favorite level is the middle level......big and airy....I can imagine it either for church services, a ballroom, even weddings. They do have plaques around the castle for the names of people who donated funds for its construction and windows. I love it there! It is in Rye Colorado. Sometimes the area becomes misty which really makes it like a fairy land or olden times! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
@@melissajenniferjones9959 thank you melissa i was a stone mason for years
@@edwardchemotti it is in the San Isabel forest, not far from Westcliff. I think you would really enjoy it! I looked on Google....they have a website with pictures and they have a gift shop.
So it's not a real castle or a real dwelling because it has no structural integrity? So it's a sculpture, not a castle, and not a dwelling.
I have been to Bishop's Castle a few times. I met the dad almost 30 years ago. The tower has sure grown!😳 What a tremendous project.
“And do it all over again” just amazing 🙌🏼
Jim is the quite an amazing guy. Probably been 10 years since I walked through that castle. I need to get back up there.
Last time i was out there he was yelling at children about how immigrants are a problem and Trump's wall will solve it.
This is why I love being from Colorado, so many talented people and gorgeous architecture.
You can find people him in just about any state
This is a horrendous "castle", it makes no sense
I can't even build a shed in my backyard without a permit and I live in Greeley. And this man built an entire freaking castle
@@mokaPCPhaterrrr
I lived in Westcliff a nearby town this castle is truly amazing to visit a must a testimony of hard labor very beautiful country well worth visiting Jim bishop is a incredible person!!❤
I love in Canon city for years. Been to his castle at least 100 times. This man is amazing. Always willing to answer questions and talk with ya. It's amazing.
Canon city is racist and should go away quietly
Here's a question, why is the roof full of holes?! What a joke!
@@jeromethethird5879if you ever go there and are able to experience how the sunlight spills in through those holes in the roof, you’ll have your answer. It’s definitely something to behold.
I loved going to Bishops Castle when I was growing up! Glad to see how far it's coming along!
Been there! Met the dad when I was 16 gosh like 2006. It’s amazing.
Ppl who say gosh are adorable
@@minatospeed3755 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Dan Bishop is a legend! His political views are that of the common man!
It's always amazing what one dedicated individual can do over a lifetime!
We love the castle. Whenever we get company from out of state that's one of the first places we take them is to see the castle. We're proud of the castle. Jim Bishop you have done a phenomenal job.
I wish international still made pick ups
Thats all my Agg boarding college had.
Couple of inter 5 ton& 10 ton flatbeds for general farm work, But one i liked best was a 1 1/2 ton fleet side pickup. Musta been 50s era. that was our round the school/farm yard ute.
Great tough trucks that handled the abuse teen boys put them through lol.
Yeah I wish they still made Fiero’s. All you have to do is buy the rights to the name. Like Spyker, McLaren, Lotus, Mini Cooper… All you need is a double bracket frame like miJ Toyotas a Cummins 5.9 or SMALLER a ZF New Venture trans some AAM diffs.. just make sure your cab can take airbags or they’ll do you like Defender 90 110’s. They “say” it was because they couldn’t fit airbags. They say a lot of things. You’ll eventually go broke because you don’t factor Planned Obsolescence just like International did. A product so good you’ll never need to buy another one. Trucks today are sweethearts afraid to scratch their paint or pull a trailer. Makes me sick.
My wee Da worked at International Harvesters in Bradford West Yorkshire England. He was a Millwright. M.F.McCorriston U.K. 🍀🏴🇮🇪🙏🇮🇪🏴🍀
Glad your following in his foot steps and still maintaining it. To me It’s one of the most unique spots in all of Colorado plus just love the conversations you can have when visiting. 👍
The castle is truly amazing and what's even more amazing than that is the man that built it.
Nothing is amazing about a thief that steals from the local environment to build a vanity home.
Saw this when I was about 8 years old and I remember seeing that old truck. Way cool to see again.
Dude is the human equivalent of an ant. Go go go. Incredible
Probably doesn't use alcohol, tobacco or cannabis...no time to get altered in any way...
@@FlatlandMando no, this would have been very doable on all kinds of things
@@FlatlandMandoI agree
Before anyone goes collecting river and creek rock to build something know that it is illegal if you get caught.
@@ashleyearls5648 thx never knew
A lot of years of hard work went into this castle. Amazing man!
Bishop's Castle Colorado! Been here MANY times! Love it!
Last time I was there was 1999
The ingenuity his Father exercised is nothing short of astonishing!!!!!!!!!
When every Cybertruck has rusted in less than a year, that truck will still keep on running.
Boomers really love acting like the world is going to magically work and different way for them because they don't like something.
No vehicle in the northern country ever survives a straight year without rusting.
The man that built this is a badass American.
His name is Bishop, I met the man himself and I ironically born near his castle. He lost his son building that thing, tree fell on him. He never stopped though. City try’s to take it from him every day for a “tourist destination” he refuses.
@@lickar__ the area never wanted him to start it, denied several permits so he decided to steal materials from the parks and build it cause hes a "sovereign citizen".
Dudes a nut, and probably shoulda been stopped before he got his son killed.
@@MrVxBojanglesxvI prefer to pretend Americans have enough rights to build what rhry want as long as it's structurally sound. Not all of us think HOAs are acceptable or even good for America. Anything that encourages military style cookie cutter homes is too dystopian.
@@Loralanthalas I've been here several times and can tell you that he is lucky this is still standing given the shoddy work. What's worse is he opens it to the public which puts others at risk. Then there's the fact that he's getting political and yelling at children.
@@MrVxBojanglesxvI bet that you are only upset about the castle because you get triggered by him not agreeing with your narrow view on politics.
Or perhaps you can answer why it's still standing if it's structurally unsound?
Who exactly is the "area" that didn't want him to build it in the first place?
If he's breaking the law, then tell me why he has been allowed to continue for decades upon decades?
That house needs to be listed on the historic buildings list and never be torn down. An amazing work of art.
Agreed 💯 👍
What determination & skill! Amazing!
Bishops castle I absolutely loved my trip there
Appreciate your hard work 👍
Went there with my family and it was amazing!! Fabulous workmanship. Truly amazing
I volunteered there back in the late 70,s
It's a treasure.
I lived in Buelah for a while ,so Bishops castle wasn't far .
Bishops's Castle.....Besides the hard work of actually building the castle, the man had to fight off the state from closing him down. He fought for his right to do as he wishes on his land. A true stud!
I'm glad he won against the state, government can stifle dreams and since it's his Noone has the right to tell him he can't. The whole community should rise up and tell the state where to go.
🤔 And the state said go ahead and use all the free rock you need. ??
Amazing hand-built structure! I've climbed every square inch of it to immerse myself in Mr. Bishop's incredible imagination and persistence. I was honored to meet this man too, who a humble man also. An unforgettable experience!
Bishops Castle should be designated historical site . Love this place . Job Well Done , Gentlemen !!!!
Nah, the land should be respected and all the rocks should go back to the river/creek he stole them from. He's robbing the earth there of its minerals
500 for a crane?! Thats the real story here
I bet a junkyard would be happy to get rid of what they see has a huge piece of scrap metal.
His dad is so cool! When I saw him on tv and TH-cam before, he seemed to possess one of those wonderfully magnetic personalities that just draw you into their world and into their point of view and…. it’s just a rare thing to find someone who can do that. It takes someone with strong conviction to do that and I immediately thought that I knew this man and somehow that we were good friends. ❤ Truly one in a million.
I went there with an ex-girlfriend once. She was afraid of heights, we sung "i wanna be like you" from the jungle book to keep her mind off of it, and made it to the top of the tower.
Where you proceeded to break up with her and leave her stranded up there 😂
@@TheBestEverEverEver some say she's still up there to this day, desperately in need of a barber.
She is still up.
Aaaw, some of the previous comments are funny. My mind went straight to what a sweet memory.😊
One of the most amazing men for sure. The video does the castle no justice on the impressive scale. Glad I get to see this castle often
We have a longer 13 minute video on our channel, but even that doesn’t do the place justice! It does answer a lot of questions people are asking though.
@@CoolestThing I’ll definitely check it out. I love that your channel is spreading his story. I hope it reaches millions ❤️
Isn't it a Federal offense to harvest materials from National Forests ?
No. "National Forest Service policy allows rockhounding that includes the collecting of rocks, semi-precious stones, and minerals from national forest and grasslands for personal, hobby, and non- commercial use"
This is why it's FREE to visit the castle. If he charged money they would shut him down.
"For many of those 50+ years Bishop was engaged in a running battle with Washington bureaucrats over the rocks that he used, which came from the San Isabel National Forest that surrounds the castle property. Bishop felt that they were his for the taking, the government wanted to charge him per truckload."
There just waiting for completion to tell them
I'm pretty sure the govt was trying to give them fines, never paid and they gave up
Technically yes like panning for gold and taking lumber. Only if you taking alot to the point where you're using it to make profit. He probably took a 100lbs at a time
The law allows for taking a truckload of yard rocks off Federal land as long as the land isn't special status like a Federal Park.
This dude is awesome, saw him building the gate a few years ago
I live about 30 minutes away from bishops castle and if any of my friends visited that’s the first place we went. It’s an unreal experience and Jim bishop would always sit in this big chair and talk to the people visiting. He passed away recently. But he’s one of very few people that can truthfully say they built a castle by themselves. Rest in peace ❤️
The absolute best example of quality workmanship!! Well done!
It’s neat that the design is wonderful - it’s not just a brute, pragmatic build
this man’s castle is his home 🏰
No one lives in that castle. It's open to the public.
@@Wearebeingliedtowakeup it was a joke but thanks so much
Truly awe striking what human determination and a bit of ingenuity can create! Cheers to your ol man!
The rocks are free
Land isn't free lol
?
@@dambroangling2828in Australia the land is often over 50% of the price of building a home. Unless it's a custom complex home of course. Our regulations would never let something like this happen. Even a stone wall over 4ft high requires engineering certifications and permits...
In Australia our regulations would never let something like this happen. Even a stone wall over 3.3 ft high requires engineering certifications and permits...
But are all the regulations a bad thing? This guy's castle is still standing, but if someone that doesn't know what they are doing builds something similar. A structural failure could easily kill someone.
@@craigfirman1809after living near here for years and visiting several times i can say he's lucky this is still standing. The work is very shoddy and half finished all the way up. The walk way up top is ill supported.
Not to mention that all the materials were stolen from national parks and forests in the area cause this guy thinks he is above the law and a "sovereign citize".
Bishop's Castle. Is worth the drive to see
Meanwhile I can’t even fix my kitchen sink 🤯
You are likely joking (but many can't). You are on TH-cam. There is tons of info, and I believe in you. If you are joking, hopefully, someone who thinks this way finds this.
You can.
I have a dream..!
I’ve been going to this since the early 2000s. It’s changed a lot over the years! A must see!
Every mf in the comments knows this man or lives near him lmao
And people think aliens had to have built the pyramids.
I'm not at all saying it was aliens. But there is a massive difference between a backyard castle. (And yes the castle is pretty big.) And the pyramids and they also didn't have trucks or cranes. But again the blocks used for the pyramids are astronomically bigger than any of the stones used for the castle.
I visited years ago and met the man the built it. Shook his had. He was a real man.
Old skool.
When U learn something useful.😂
Not in debt and got a house.😂
I love when people do this stuff. Great imagination, discipline and A DREAM!!
Is it liveable? Or just esthetics
The last news I heard was that it's not habitable, purely aesthetic ✅️
@@JamesDeWeaver ? I thought they could rent out a room for a night. I also remember when they put in leech fields for bathroom purposes. ?
You could live in many parts of it.
@@melissajenniferjones9959only portable toilets .
@@melissajenniferjones9959 rented out for parties in the past but became impossible to insure if there had been accident or injury esp. at night apparently. 🌙
I’ve been lucky to have visited twice, the first time 20 years ago with my now deceased wife Sharon and later alone; just for the memories ❤ I love this place, it’s a physical representation to everlasting will to accomplish something in life and one man’s zest for eternal life through his toil! Much Respect!!
What a laudable achievement your POP is leaving as a memorial to what a single man can do if he's determined and a good plan.Awesome.
Creative Genius ❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉
Eccentric, yet breathtaking.
How awesome he is. Human ingenuity is unmatched.
Unbelievable patience and fortitude what a task, great job. I hope your building stands for hundreds of years
Huge amount of respect to the man’s level of determination 🫡
Every rock has a story. Only rock people understand.👍🏿
That is seriously one of the coolest fricken things I’ve ever seen. Your dads a straight OG. 🙇🏻♂️
That man and his dad are SOOO COOL 😂😂❤❤
I HOPE THEY COMPLETE THE CASTLE TOGETHER AND THE DAD FINALLY GETS TO LIVE IN THAT BEAUTY
Impressive work
I remember hearing about his dad building this castle way back in the eighties or nineties. I always wondered if he ever finished. It makes me feel so good to know that he and his son finished it.
My wife and i visited this on our honeymoon last Oct. Super cool place to visit and take pictures!
My Dad and I visited this Castle back in July 1997, I take my Family every July for a road trip into Colorado and stop every year and incredibly notice a different detail every year, what a creation in the most beautiful forest. Truly an engineering feat without blueprints.
Watched this whole video a few weeks ago, bloody incredible castle 🏰
This is my greatest life goal is to build a home like the for my found family and myself as thanks for all they have granted me
That man is a determined human he is just totally outstanding for a lack of better words
Bishop Castle is great to visit! Been there a few times
What a badass 🏰
I've been there, and it's like a real-life Temple OS. The guy is crazy and the building feels incredibly unsafe but it's impressive that it was built by one guy.
As a Texan, this was an amazing place to visit. The whole area was cold and wet, but when we drove up the mountain, above the weather, it was warm and sunny 🌞
Very surreal experience!
Bishops castle. I love visiting that place
I love seeing things like this. Building incredible things with his bare hands.
It's a beautiful drive up to the castle!