Six Terrace houses in Holdsworth St given interim heritage listing

7/7/96

The State Government has recognised the heritage values of a group of rare single-storey terrace houses in Fremantle.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis said six terrace houses in Holdsworth Street had been placed on the State Register of Heritage Places on an interim basis.

Mr Lewis said the houses, built in 1903, were rare examples of the single-storey terrace houses in the Victorian Filigree style.

He said they blended well with Warders Terrace and Seven Terrace Houses, also in Holdsworth Street and also listed on the State Register.

"Single-storey terraces are rare in Fremantle and these six terraces are a good example of working class accommodation built at the turn of the century," the Minister said.

"In the 1890s Western Australia's population was growing rapidly as a result of the gold boom.

"In Fremantle, following the construction of the new harbour and deep water port in 1897, there were increased jobs in the port, the industrial and service centre and at the railway workshops.

"By 1900 the population of Fremantle had reached 20,000 and the boom continued until 1904, when the transfer of the railway workshops to Midland brought a serious slump."

The six terrace houses were built for investor Frederick Corbett, who rented out the three-roomed houses.

According to the rate book of 1905, the original tenants were Henry Bowker, a council employee; James Stoddart, a bricklayer; Isaac Crowle, a carpenter; and Maurice Scanion, a fireman.

Frederick Corbett's relative, Patrick, inherited the houses in 1908 and maintained ownership until 1923, when they were sold to sea captain and pearler George Francis.

Mr Lewis said there were a number of owners until 1954 when the terraces were sold for the first time as individual houses.

"The new owners were Bucchianico, Di Carlo, Tommaso, Zolte, da Silva and Inferera and all were described as labourers," he said.

"The new owners reflected the growing Italian population of Fremantle in the post-war years."

Mr Lewis said the terraces were built of red brick, tuck pointed brickwork with medium pitched gabled roofs clad in corrugated galvanised iron.

The six houses were separated by firewalls that were embellished with classical detailing on their ends, and blind archways to each side.

"The terrace is significant as a demonstration of the standard of accommodation for workers at the turn of the century," the Minister said.

"The subsequent changes in ownership also demonstrate the upward mobility of migrants and their improving social and economic aspirations.

"The houses are still used for residential purposes and are generally in good condition."

Media contact: Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595 or 221 1377