Fancote Residence

Statement of Significance

The place is an example of an early weatherboard cottage constructed around 1900 and with its acquired patina and riverside location, has aesthetic value. The place is one of a number of residences dating from the early part of the twentieth century that characterise the old Kelmscott townsite, positioned near the Canning River. The place is associated with the Fancote family, prominent community members who as well as being involved in the timber industry, introduced brick making to Kelmscott.

Physical Description

The place comprises a single-storey timber-framed cottage clad with weatherboards and corrugated iron, set within a large garden featuring mature palms, conifers, flame trees and fruit trees which conceals views of the cottage from the street. It has an asymmetrical form, characterised by a projecting gable bay to the front facade and features timber-framed doors and windows and the primary windows are shaded by fixed timber-framed awnings. A fibro-clad lean-to addition is attached to the rear of the cottage, while part of the front verandah has been enclosed with a solid weatherboard balustrade.

History

This residence was built for Charles Fancote and his family in the period 1895-1900. Charles Fancote (1828-1899) arrived in Western Australia as a convict aboard the 'Ramillies' in 1854. Born on Smethwick, Staffordshire, he worked as an iron puddler in his hometown. After marrying in 1849, Charles worked as a foreman in an iron foundry in Dumferline, Scotland. In 1852, Fancote was involved in a fight with a fellow worker, which resulted in the other man's death. Convicted of murder, Fancote was sentenced to death by hanging. After a petition to the Queen by many prominent and ordinary citizens of Dumferline and Smethwick, Fancote had his sentence commuted to life imprisonment and transportation to the colonies for 'the term of his natural life'. After he received a conditional pardon in 1862, Fancote made his way to Kelmscott where he found work with the Buckinghams, as a pit sawyer. In 1871, he married Caroline Buckingham (1849-1915), daughter of Thomas and Mary Buckingham and moved to kelmscott the following year. There they purchased the portion of land, which extended along Albany Highway from opposite the present railway station to Church Road, for the amount of 2pounds 10 pence per acre. Charles Fancote operated a pit saw, between the present railway station and the highway, which was used by wood cutters and carters (such as Thomas Buckingham Junior) during the flourishing years of the timber industry. Later members of the Fancote family became prominent community members who, along with the Buckingham's and Hick's, introduced brick making to Kelmscott.

Integrity/Authenticity

High High

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update