DUPLEX, 128 ATTFIELD STREET

Statement of Significance

Duplex, 126 & 128 Attfield Street, is a typical limestone, brick and iron single storey duplex pair dating from c 1908. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical workers' houses in the Fremantle area. The place is an example of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture.

Physical Description

Duplex, 126-128 Attfield Street, is a single storey, limestone, brick and iron duplex pair with a symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The walls are limestone with brick quoins. The roof is hipped and clad with corrugated iron with a dividing wall visible through the roof. The verandah has a separate bullnose corrugated iron roof and is supported by turned and chamfered timber posts. The front facade has a front door with double hung sash window to one side. There are two corbelled chimneys evident. There is a rendered masonry and timber picket fence with timber gates to the front boundary line.

History

Attfield St is named after Dr George Attfield, Imperial Surgeon 1854-1879, who qualified in London in 1850. He attended Fremantle Gaol and was Superintendent at Fremantle Lunatic Asylum. Attfield married a daughter of Surveyor-General Roe. He died in Brighton UK c1923. The street was developed from the late 1890s, with the majority of the houses dating from the first two decades of the twentieth century.
Duplex, 126-128 Attfield Street was built between 1902 and 1912. A Metropolitan Sewerage plan dated c. 1910 shows an attached pair of brick cottages, both with full length front and rear verandahs. Apart from a dividing fence and toilets at the back of each yard, there were no other improvements on the lot.
In 1912, Annie Moore was listed as the owner of the cottages. John Green lived at No. 126 and Arthur Lenanton at No. 128. By 1932, ownership had changed to Nora Wellstead and both cottages continued to be a rented until at least the 1960s.
The cottages changed hands several times in the 1970s and 1980s.
This place was included in the list of heritage places in the City of Fremantle identified by the Fremantle Society (1979/80) - RED -significant for contributing to the unique character of Fremantle.
No. 126 and No. 128 Attfield Street were in joint ownership until c. 1990.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining.
(These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This data is provided by the City of Fremantle. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data, the City of Fremantle makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damage) and costs which you might incur as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. Under no circumstances should this data be used to carry out any work without first contacting the City of Fremantle for the appropriate confirmation and approval.