Fothergill Street Precinct

Child Places

• 22817 HOUSE, 28 SOLOMON STREET
• 22398 HOUSE, 20 FOTHERGILL STREET
• 22930 HOUSE, 26 FOTHERGILL STREET
• 20652 HOUSE, 27 FOTHERGILL STREET
• 20653 HOUSE, 29 FOTHERGILL STREET
• 22815 HOUSE, 27A FOTHERGILL STREET
• 22744 HOUSE, 22 FOTHERGILL STREET
• 22400 HOUSE, 26 FOTHERGILL STREET
• 22745 HOUSE, 24 FOTHERGILL STREET
• 21784 HOUSE, 30 SOLOMON STREET
• 22746 HOUSE, 28 FOTHERGILL STREET
• 22741 HOUSE, 18 FOTHERGILL STREET
• 22816 VACANT LOT, 27A FOTHERGILL STREET

Statement of Significance

The houses and streetscape of the historic precinct have a strong collective and visually cohesive aesthetic presence, reflecting a narrow range of late nineteenth and early twentieth century architectural styles and palette of materials that form a significant streetscape. The precinct is an almost complete example of an early twentieth century streetscape, the historic precinct is a good historical record of how Western Australians lived in the early years of the twentieth century, and the way in which the residences of the elite, the middle class and the working class existed side by side in that period. The historic precinct demonstrates changing demographics, the need for replacing deteriorating material, changing technology, and changes in lifestyle without the loss of the overall Federation period character. The precinct also reflects a pattern of development whereby pressures for higher density development led to the area’s decline, and the subsequent removal of this pressure

Physical Description

Fothergill Street Precinct comprises 11 residences and one vacant lot in
Fothergill Street, Fremantle, between Solomon Street and Swanbourne
Street, the majority of which were constructed in the decade 1898-1908, of
limestone and brick with iron roofs, though some of them now have
zincalume or tiled roofs.

Fothergill Street rises at a steady gradient from Hampton Road as it
reaches its steepest gradients in the Solomon to Swanbourne Street
section, falling away across the historic precinct from north to south also.
The most striking overall initial impression of this section of the street is its
visual harmony and the fact that all but two houses are, in the main,
constructed of materials and in the style of the late nineteenth to early
twentieth century, the Federation period. One of the exceptions is 28
Solomon Street, which on the surface appears much later, but elements of
the fabric including the location in close proximity to boundaries and cast
iron wall vents be

History

The precinct comprises Nos. 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 27b, vacant lot, 28, and 29 Fothergill Street, and nos. 28 and 30 Solomon Street, Fremantle, (i.e. Fothergill Street between the east side of Solomon Street and Swanbourne Street). The majority of these 11 residences were constructed in the decade 1898-1908, of limestone and brick with iron roofs. The street was formerly called John Street.

During the 1880s and 1890s, many of the Fremantle merchant class, having acquired the necessary degree of wealth, moved from homes located in the heart of Fremantle, close to their business premises, to the 'more exclusive area… using to advantage the high ground above the township on the east side of High Street.', where they built substantial family homes, generally on large lots, which displayed their wealth and their status. In contrast to the simple dwellings of the majority of the populace of Fremantle, 'the homes of many merchants were of two storeys or more, with basements, towers, and

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY
All houses in the historic precinct remain in use as residences, retaining
their original use. The prospect for future conservation remains good and
the degree of integrity high.
AUTHENTICITY
All residences in the historic precinct have been subject to internal and
external change. Change has included additions to most residences,
alterations to verandahs, boundary treatments, and roofing finishes. The
substance of all but one of the houses remains substantially intact. The
precinct as a whole retains a moderate to high degree of authenticity.

Condition

Most of the places are well maintained. All have been impacted upon by maintenance and change to varying degrees and there is much replacement material along boundary fences, roofs, and verandah structures. Some places have received some poor maintenance strategies.On the whole the maintenance has effected subtle changes but has not detracted from the historic precinct to a significant degree. Fothergill Street Precinct is generally in fair to good condition.

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.