DUPLEX, 10 LITTLE HOWARD STREET

Statement of Significance

Duplex, 10 & 12 Little Howard Street are a single storey rendered masonry, and tile duplex pair dating from 1894. 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 a simple example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

Duplex, 10 & 12 Little Howard Street is a single storey rendered masonry and tile duplex pair with a symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. One of 3 pairs of duplexes (2&4, 6&8, 10&12) constructed at the same time in Little Howard Street. The walls are rendered masonry. Each duplex pair has a separate hipped tile roof. The front facade to each duplex half has a front door with fanlight and pairs of double hung sash windows. The front verandahs are under separate tile roofs. The verandahs are supported by steel posts. There is a low brick wall to the front boundary of no. 10 and a steel post and mesh fence to no. 12.

History

The street was formerly known as Old Cemetery Road, and a continuation of Howard Street, which was named after Lord Edward Howard, grandson of Lord John Russell, British Prime Minister 1842.
Duplex 10-12 was formerly 18-20 Little Howard Street; the numbering changed in 1935/36.
The three duplexes at 2/4, 6/8 and 10/12 were built in 1894 for the Commissioners of the Presbyterian Church. Each residence was leased out to tenants and the first occupants of the six residences were; Francis McDonald, grocer; Ezra Parry, chemist; Thurston, clerk; Mr L. Henderson, carpenter; George Keayman, storeman; and Alfred Sargent, clerk. The records kept in the rates books of this period does not provide enough information to determine who occupied which residence.
The 1908 sewerage plan of the site shows this brick duplex is replicated in the adjacent properties which are now 2/4, 6/ 8 and 10/12 Little Howard Street. It is probable they were built at the same time. The terraces have front verandahs across the full width of the front façade. At the rear of the building is a small verandah of which a portion is enclosed in timber. On the back property boundary is a brick closet.
The Commissioners of the Presbyterian Church owned the three duplexes until at least 1924/25. After that time the ownership was split to two women; Catherine May Healy owned duplex 2/4, and 6/8; while duplex 10/12 was transferred to Ellen Melda Evans.
Occupants of 10 Little Howard Street from 1905/06 to 1951/52 included; Robert McMullan, plumber; James Doig, Richard Mason, John Blight, Henry James Cough, May Rawlston and Samuel Morton Rawlinson.
A photograph of the place in 1979 shows that the place was in relatively poor condition with a corrugated iron roof and rendered front façade. The verandah roof is separate to the main roof structure and appears to be original although the supports are not. The verandah floor is concrete indicating it is probably a replacement of the original. There is a timber and cyclone mesh front fence and gate.
This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Brown: "Positively contributing to the built environment")

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium to high degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
Medium degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining but with some alterations.
(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.