Dr Barnett's Residence

Statement of Significance

House, 13 Barnett Street has aesthetic significance as a fine example of a stone residence in the Victorian Georgian style, representing the expansion of Fremantle in the gold boom period of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The place contributes to a substantially intact late nineteenth and early twentieth century streetscape close to the centre of Fremantle. The house has historic significance for its associations with the original owner, Dr Henry Calvert Barnett, who served the community as Fremantle Colonial Surgeon, Health Officer to the port, Health Officer to the Aboriginal Prison at Rottnest Island, Registrar of births, deaths and marriages and Medical Superintendent of the Fremantle Asylum. The following places form a significant group and contribute to the streetscape of Barnett Street: 12, 13, 14, 16, 18 & 20.

Physical Description

House, 13 Barnett Street is a single storey, limestone, brick and iron house with an asymmetrical facade designed as simple example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The house sits facing north and overlooking Fremantle Park. The walls are limestone with red brick quoins. The roof is hipped and clad with zincalume. There is a brick and rendered masonry corbelled chimney evident. The front elevation has a series of doors and simple double hung sash windows. The Shed at 13 Barnett Street is a simple construction of limestone with red brick quoins. It has a hipped roof clad in corrugated iron with a decorative timber finial at one end. There are two windows at ground level and another smaller window at loft height. A lean-to roof has been added to one side.

History

Barnett Street is named after Henry Calvert Barnett. Lots 6 and 7 of Fremantle town lot 937 were owned by Henry Calvert Barnett, along with adjoining lots 933 and 936, from 1885. A dwelling was erected on the site c1896-1897. The first occupants were the Barnett family. Barnett arrived in Australia in 1868 with his wife and children. Barnett was the colonial surgeon of York from 1868-1872. In 1872 Barnett went kangaroo hunting and injured his leg, which then had to be amputated. Legend has it that on a subsequent sea voyage the leg became gangrenous and he had to amputate the leg higher up himself. Following the loss of his leg Barnett moved to Fremantle where he was the Fremantle Colonial Surgeon, Health Officer to the port, Health Officer to the Aboriginal Prison at Rottnest Island, Registrar of births, deaths and marriages and Medical Superintendent of the Fremantle Asylum for twenty three years. Dr Barnett died in 1897. In 1961 the building was converted for use as change rooms by the Christian Brothers College Old Boys Amateur Football Club. Businessman Robert Bodkin, as owner of a footwear business in High Street, bought the house in 1988 and attempted to restore it. The Fremantle Herald reported twice in 1990 that his efforts were being hampered by vandals.

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

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