DUPLEX, 20 TYDEMAN ROAD

Parent Place or Precinct

22385 North Fremantle Precinct

Statement of Significance

Together with its pair at 18 Tydeman Road, Duplex, 20 Tydeman Road is a typical stone and iron single storey cottage duplex dating from the 1890s. 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 North Fremantle. Historically significant as a representation of typical workers' houses in the North Fremantle area. The place is a simple example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

Duplex, 18-20 Tydeman Road is a single storey stone and iron duplex pair with overall symmetrical facade designed as a late example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. Walls are limestone with face red brick quoins and reveals. The roof is hipped corrugated iron with no eaves, with a dividing brick parapet wall and end parapets walls with rendered tops.There is a small gable over the verandah to no. 18. The verandah is under separate corrugated iron roof supported on square timber posts. The verandah to number 18 has decorative timber brackets. The overall front elevation is symmetrical with a timber sash window and a front door to each side. The duplex is set back from the front boundary with a fence line and small garden area in front of the verandahs. Both places have a timber picket fence along the front boundary line.

History

Tydeman Road runs west to east between Port Beach Road and Stirling Highway. It is a major arterial road taking traffic from the beachfront to the major through roads of Stirling Highway and Queen Victoria Street. This street has had several name changes over the years. Originally known as Pensioner Road, the street was renamed John Street in 1913 after Fremantle councillor, W John (1885-1891). The section of road west of Stirling Highway was renamed Tydeman Road in 1968 when a new street was created as a result of the reclamation of the river foreshore. The name changed again in 1968 when a new street was created as a result of reclamation of the river foreshore between Stirling Highway and Bruce Street. The name Tydeman was chosen in honour of Frank Williams Edward Tydeman, General Manager of Chief Engineer of the Fremantle Port Authority. The street was originally residential on the northern side with industrial uses occupying the southern side of the road. The brick, stone and iron duplex at 18-20 Tydeman Road (formerly 68-70 John Street) was built in the period 1897 to 1913 for an unidentified owner. It was part of a larger landholding owned by Mrs Andrew Burns in 1895 and subdivided circa 1896. It is apparent from their design that the adjacent properties at 14-16 was built by the same builder and possibly for the same owner, Donald McKay. McKay was a prominent Fremantle resident who owned approximately 70 to 80 houses in Fremantle, as well as significant landholdings. He was at one time a member of the Legislative Council for the Northern Province. In 1921, both sides of the duplex were described as three roomed brick houses and were owned by Flora McKay, as part of the estate of Donald McKay. Flora McKay owned the properties and leased them to tenants until 1924. Tenants included Frederick Tollis, John Cotton, George Glass and Joseph Hammond. Between 1925 and 1935, the company E M FOTHERGILL AND CO owned the properties. The founder of this company, Edward Henry Fothergill, began his career as a warehouseman and was at one time manager of WA lighterage and Stevedoring Co. In 1901 he established his own agency business called EH Fothergill and Co Ltd. Fothergill was prominent on many committees in the area including the Fremantle Hospital and was also Mayor of Fremantle in 1910. During Fothergill’s period of ownership tenants included Charlotte Williams, James Cook and William Thomas. There are no records of ownership between 1935 and 1955, by which time ownership of the duplex had been split. Number 68 John Street (18 Tydeman) was owned and occupied by Giovanni Peccia. Number 70 John Street (20 Tydeman) was owned by Giuseppe and Michele Cuccovia and occupied by Neil Skipworth. The ownership of the properties remained the same until 1972, when number 68 was transferred to General Estate and Agency Co Pty Ltd. Since circa 1985, owners of both properties have also occupied them. In 1940, the building retained its original form with narrow verandahs at the front and at the sides away from the common wall. The back yards had no structures except water closets in the back corners of the properties. Number 18 had a significantly smaller back yard than its neighbour. The properties were connected to the mains sewerage system in 1955. In 1979, the front façade of the building was still relatively unmodified. This place was included in the 'North Fremantle Heritage Study' (1994) as a place contributing to the development and heritage of North Fremantle. It was also included in the list of heritage places in the City of Fremantle identified by the Fremantle Society (1979/80) - RED -significant for contributing to the unique character of Fremantle.

Integrity/Authenticity

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

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