HOUSE, 23 SAMSON STREET

Statement of Significance

House, 23 Samson Street, a typical timber framed single storey cottage dating from the 1890s is aesthetically significant as an example of Fremantle’s vernacular architecture. It is historically significant as a representation of working people’s living conditions in the Fremantle area. The place has historic significance as the former home of William Augustus Bateman, a Fremantle merchant, prominent sportsman, one of the founders of Australian rules football in Western Australia and captain of the first Fremantle football team.

Physical Description

House, 23 Samson Street is a single storey timber and iron house designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The walls are timber framed and clad in painted weatherboard. The roof is hipped and clad with corrugated iron. There is a chimney with chimney pot evident. The verandah is under a continuous corrugated iron roof and wraps around one side of the house, supported by timber posts with decorative timber brackets. The other side of the house has a skillion roof carport addition. There is a limestone and timber picket fence to the front boundary line. This prevents further description of the front elevation.

The following places form a significant group and contribute to the streetscape of Samson Street; 23, 25, 26, 28, 31, 30, 32, 34, 35, 41, 43, 45, 49, 51, 55, 57, 59, 61, and the Norfolk Pines.

History

Rates books list an undeveloped allotment in 1893 and a cottage with three rooms in 1894. In 1897 there was a second cottage at the back. By 1907 only one cottage is listed.
The second owner was William Augustus Bateman, a Fremantle merchant and prominent sportsman. He was also one of the founders of Australian Rules football in Western Australia and captain of the first Fremantle football team.
In 1913-14 the cottage is listed as number 53. Sewerage was added in the same year. Between 1917 and 1938 several additions were made. A garage was added in 1981.
This place was included on the list of heritage places in the City of Fremantle identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
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.