House, 290 High Street

Statement of Significance

House, 290 High Street, is a single storey timber and iron house dating from 1926. 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 Fremantle. It is historically significant as a representation of typical workers' houses in the Fremantle area. The place is an example of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture.

Physical Description

House, 290 High Street is a single storey timber and zincalume house constructed as a simple variation of the Federation Bungalow style of Architecture. The walls are timber framed and clad with timber boards. The roof is hipped and clad with replacement zincalume. The verandah is under a continuous roof supported by square timber posts. The front façade has a central door flanked either side by timber framed casement windows. There are three concrete steps leading up to the verandah. There is a timber picket fence and central timber gate to the front boundary line.

History

As was customary in English towns, the main street of the town was named High St. The land on which house 290 High Street stands was vacant in 1916/17 and owned by Sir Henry Briggs. Briggs (b.1844 d.1919) was born in Kettering, Northamptonshire England and was the first headmaster of Fremantle Grammar School from 1882 – 1897. He was also secretary of the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, a J P, a trustee of the Western Australian Public Library and Art Gallery and from 1906 – 1909 President of the Legislative Council. He was knighted in 1916. Ownership of the vacant land was then passed to the War Service Homes in the 1920s who in 1926/27 had built a house which was occupied by Robert Poole. By 1934/25 Poole was the owner/occupier. The house was originally number 570 and is Lot 1069.

Integrity/Authenticity

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

Condition

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

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update