HOUSE, 25 THOMPSON ROAD

Parent Place or Precinct

10945 Thompson Road Precinct

Statement of Significance

House, 25 Thompson Road, is a typical weatherboard and iron single storey cottage (with recent two storey addition) dating from the 1900s. 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.

Physical Description

House, 25 Thompson Road, is a single storey timber and iron cottage with asymmetrical facade constructed in the early 1900s. Walls are painted weatherboards in an ashlar effect (simulated stone profile). Roof is hipped corrugated iron with no eaves, and a tall brick chimney. There is a gable to the front protruding room with timber finial, with the separate bullnose corrugated iron verandah adjacent. The verandah is supported by turned timber posts with decorative timber frieze. There is a vertical timber balustrade to the verandah. There is a two storey unpainted timber and iron roofed addition to the rear.

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, 25 Thompson Road was built at some stage between 1903 and 1921. A 1913 diagram shows a large timber house with a small set back from the street, and half-length front and rear verandahs.

By 1921, the weatherboard house was owned and occupied by Robert Corkhill. However, he lived there for only a short time before leasing the place out to tenants. In 1924/25, ownership of the property passed to Elizabeth Kent. By 1928, her married name was Swift and Elizabeth and her husband lived at 25 Thompson Road until at least 1935.

A 1939 diagram shows House, 25 Thompson Road as being a large weatherboard house with a half-length front verandah and full length rear verandah. Weatherboard outbuildings were located along the northern boundary fence of the back yard. At this time, it appears that an area of the back yard was fenced off from the house.

Arthur Kent (possibly a relative of Elizabeth's) rented the house prior to 1955, at which time it was purchased by S.G.H.W. Kent, who took up residence there (again, possibly a relative of Elizabeth's). Some time before 1964, the place had been sold to Norman and Elsie Pirani. 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) - RED -significant for contributing to the unique character 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.