HOUSE, 5 FRANCISCO STREET

Statement of Significance

House, 5 Francisco Street, is a typical timber and iron single storey house dating from 1898. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical workers' houses in the Fremantle area. The place is an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

5 Francisco Street is a single storey, single room width, timber and iron house with asymmetrical façade built c.1898 designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The walls are timber framed and clad with timber weatherboards. The roof is gabled and clad with corrugated iron with decorative barge board. The verandah has a separate bullnose corrugated iron roof supported by timber posts. There is a simple front door with double hung sash window to one side. The house is situated at street level. There is a timber picket fence to the front boundary line.

History

Francisco Street is named after Alexander Francisco, who was associated with Lionel Samson & Son. He later conducted a spirit merchant’s business of his own, and held the position of postmaster. He was also on the Fremantle Town Trust in 1848, 1857-63 and again 1865-66. Francisco Street was developed in the late 1890s.
House, 5 Francisco Street was built c. 1898, however there was no occupant listed in the rate books until c. 1902. In 1904/05, the house was owned by Christopher Wrout and occupied by James Purvis.
The property changed hands c. 1910, when it was bought by Sarah Atwell. Circa 1930, title to the property was transferred to Charles Atwell, who continued to own House, 5 Francisco Street until c. 1950. It was a rental property throughout this time. The Atwells also owned the house at 7 Francisco Street.
A Metropolitan Sewerage plan dated 1954 shows a narrow weatherboard building extending along the Gold Street boundary. The house had a full length front verandah and an asbestos addition at the rear. .
By 1956, House, 5 Francisco Street was owned by Mary Matrenza. The Matrenza family moved into the house and lived there until c. 1970. House, 5 Francisco has had a number of owners since that time.
This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Red: "Significantly contributing to the unique character of Fremantle")

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.