Convict Establishment Precinct

Statement of Significance

This precinct is significant for its association with the establishment and development of places relating to the convict history of Fremantle and of Western Australia.
Refer to individual place entries for more specific statements of significance.

Physical Description

This precinct includes the area bounded by: Henderson Street; to Holdwsorth Street; Hampton Road; Alma Street south to; Attfield street; Stevens street; Brennan Street; north to Alma Street; and, South Terrace (north-west to Henderson Street).
Note: This precinct also incorporates smaller precincts such as the Law & Order Precinct, Victoria Pavilion & Fremantle Oval, and West End Conservation Area. Other streets in this precinct include Forthergill Street, Fairburn Street, and The Terrace.
Other associated buildings: the former Commissariat Buildings; Fremantle Boys School (FTI Building); and, the Lunatic Asylum (Fremantle Museum & Arts Centre).

History

The first convicts arrived in the Swan River Colony in June 1850. Their arrival had an enormous impact on the still struggling colony largely increasing the population and making an enormous contribution to local infrastructure.
Under the direction of Captain Edmund Henderson and his assistants Lieutenant Henry Wray and Clerk of Works John Manning, as well as the supervision of the Royal Engineers, the convicts constructed public buildings, roads, bridges, and water systems. On the 40 acres convict grant, the convicts built the prison and houses for the prison hierarchy including The Knowle for Superintendent Henderson. They went on to build such buildings as the commissariat stores, the lunatic asylum, the police station, the barracks, the warders cottages, the boys' school, and Fremantle bridge. (This information is from Bosworth, M. & Hutchison, D. with Walker, M. & Pike, P., 'City of Fremantle Thematic Historical Framework', prepared for the City of Fremantle, June 1995, pp. 59

Uses

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.