HOUSE, 55 THOMPSON ROAD

Parent Place or Precinct

10945 Thompson Road Precinct

Statement of Significance

House, 55 Thompson, is a typical stone and iron single storey cottage dating from the 1890s. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical building stock located within the residential areas of North Fremantle. Historically significant as a representation of typical workers' houses in the North Fremantle area. The place is a simple example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

House, 55 Thompson, is a single storey stone and iron cottage with symmetrical facade designed as a late example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. Walls are limestone with red face brick quoins and reveals. Wall vents are clearly visible between the verandah and main roof. The roof is hipped corrugated iron with gables to each side and two tall rendered corbelled chimneys. The verandah is under a separate corrugated iron roof which is supported by timber posts. The front elevation is symmetrical with two timber double hung sash windows and a central front door. There is a timber picket fence at the front boundary line mirrored by the timber balustrade to the verandah. There is a garage at the end of the driveway, which is attached to the rear of the house. Aerial views show a rear addition.

History

Thompson Road was named for George Thompson (1838-1874), Fremantle's first town clerk (1871-73). The street is mainly residential, with some commercial development at the northern end between Alfred Road and McCabe Road. The majority of the houses were built c. 1900. Only a few lots on the street remained vacant in the 1920s.

House, 55 Thompson Road was constructed at some time between 1904 and 1922, when Edmund O'Loughlin was recorded as the owner. (O'Loughlin also owned the adjacent 55 Thompson Road.) He held the place as a rental property and by 1928, ownership had been transferred to Mary O'Loughlin. She continued to let out the place for many years.

A 1939 diagram shows House, 55 Thompson Road as a large brick house with a full length front verandah and a centrally located front path. The house also had a full length rear verandah/lean-to and a number of outbuildings in the back yard.

It is not known when Leonard Hunter acquired the title, but he sold it c. 1970 to Gordon and Willemtien Watson, who lived there until the early 1980s. The place has had a couple of owners since that time.

This place was included in the 'North Fremantle Heritage Study' (1994) as a place contributing to the development and heritage of North Fremantle. It was also included in the list of heritage places in the City of Fremantle identified by the Fremantle Society (1979/80) - BROWN -significant for making a positive contribution to the built environment of Fremantle.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability, restored).
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.