HOUSE, 51 SOUTH STREET, SOUTH FREMANTLE WA 6162
DESCRIPTION
Heritage TitleHOUSE, 51 SOUTH STREETAddress51 South Street SOUTH FREMANTLE WA 6162Geo tag[1] Heritage Place No21868Location DescriptionStreet Number51Construction Commenced1900Construction MaterialRoof – METAL: Corrugated IronWall – BRICK: Face BrickWall – BRICK: Rendered BrickFormer W.A. Heritage ThemesDEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY: SettlementsStatement Of SignificanceHOUSE, 51 SOUTH STREET, is a single storey rendered brick quoin and tile house dating from c1900. 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 an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. Notwithstanding the changes made to the place it retains a moderate degree of integrity, with much of its original fabric and form intact.
Constructed in 1900, the house reflects the expansion of Fremantle during the late 19th century, a time when the Western Australian gold rush brought economic growth and increased settlement. Its limestone and tile construction are indicative of the resourceful building practices of the time, particularly in working-class and middle-class areas where accessible and durable materials were favoured.
As an example of late 19th-century housing, it represents the daily lives of the working- and middle-class residents who contributed to the development of Fremantle.
As part of Fremantle’s historic urban fabric, the house contributes to the collective identity of the area. It reflects the residential styles of the late 19th century and the adaptation of historic homes to modern needs.ArchaeologyConditionCondition assessed as fair to good (assessed from streetscape survey only).HistoryThe land on which house 51 South Street stands was vacant in 1887 and was known as Lot 2a of Cockburn Sound Location 7. In 1888 two cottages, each with two rooms, were built on the lot. What was to become 51 South Street was owned by Richard Henry (or Harry) Tyler. Tyler was a blacksmith and a wheelwright with a business in William Street. Tyler had come to Australia with his wife, Agnes, and four children aboard the “Otago.” Agnes had another five children with Tyler. By 1891 Tyler’s cottage had increased to four rooms. Tyler died on 31 July 1905 and Agnes on 18 November 1940. On Tyler’s death ownership of the cottage transferred to Agnes and the house had several different tenants. After Agnes’ death the next owner of the house was Emily Ada White who also had a series of tenants. Since that time the house has changed hands several times. On a Metropolitan Sewerage Plan dated November 1908 the cottage is shown as a stone building with a galvanized iron extension. By June 19Physical DescriptionHouse, 51 South Street is a single storey brick, tile and iron house with a symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The walls are rendered with red brick quoins. The roof is hipped and clad with tiles. The façade is symmetrical with a central front door flanked on either side by timber framed windows. The verandah has a separate dropped corrugated iron roof. Air vents are visible between the roof and verandah. There is a high limestone block and timber picket fence to the front boundary line which prevents further description of the front elevation.AssociationPlace UseOriginal Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residencePresent Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residenceArchitectural StylesIntegrity/AuthenticityHigh 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).Place TypeIndividual Building or Group
Constructed in 1900, the house reflects the expansion of Fremantle during the late 19th century, a time when the Western Australian gold rush brought economic growth and increased settlement. Its limestone and tile construction are indicative of the resourceful building practices of the time, particularly in working-class and middle-class areas where accessible and durable materials were favoured.
As an example of late 19th-century housing, it represents the daily lives of the working- and middle-class residents who contributed to the development of Fremantle.
As part of Fremantle’s historic urban fabric, the house contributes to the collective identity of the area. It reflects the residential styles of the late 19th century and the adaptation of historic homes to modern needs.ArchaeologyConditionCondition assessed as fair to good (assessed from streetscape survey only).HistoryThe land on which house 51 South Street stands was vacant in 1887 and was known as Lot 2a of Cockburn Sound Location 7. In 1888 two cottages, each with two rooms, were built on the lot. What was to become 51 South Street was owned by Richard Henry (or Harry) Tyler. Tyler was a blacksmith and a wheelwright with a business in William Street. Tyler had come to Australia with his wife, Agnes, and four children aboard the “Otago.” Agnes had another five children with Tyler. By 1891 Tyler’s cottage had increased to four rooms. Tyler died on 31 July 1905 and Agnes on 18 November 1940. On Tyler’s death ownership of the cottage transferred to Agnes and the house had several different tenants. After Agnes’ death the next owner of the house was Emily Ada White who also had a series of tenants. Since that time the house has changed hands several times. On a Metropolitan Sewerage Plan dated November 1908 the cottage is shown as a stone building with a galvanized iron extension. By June 19Physical DescriptionHouse, 51 South Street is a single storey brick, tile and iron house with a symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The walls are rendered with red brick quoins. The roof is hipped and clad with tiles. The façade is symmetrical with a central front door flanked on either side by timber framed windows. The verandah has a separate dropped corrugated iron roof. Air vents are visible between the roof and verandah. There is a high limestone block and timber picket fence to the front boundary line which prevents further description of the front elevation.AssociationPlace UseOriginal Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residencePresent Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residenceArchitectural StylesIntegrity/AuthenticityHigh 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).Place TypeIndividual Building or Group
Statutory Heritage Areas
Statutory Heritage Area CustodianCity of FremantleStatutory Heritage Area South Fremantle Heritage AreaHeritage Area StatusContributoryHeritage Area InHerit Number22386Statutory Heritage Area Date14/10/2000
Local Government Statutory Heritage Listings
Local Government Statutory Listing CustodianCity of FremantleLocal Government Statutory Listing TypeHeritage ListLocal Government Statutory Listing StatusYesLocal Government Statutory Listing Date27/08/2025
Local Government Non-Statutory Local Heritage Survey
Local Government Non-Statutory Local Heritage Survey CustodianCity of FremantleLocal Government Non-Statutory Local Heritage Survey Date27/08/2025Local Government Non-Statutory Listing Local Heritage Survey Management CategoryLevel 3
PARENT PLACE
Parent Place No22386Parent place nameSouth Fremantle Heritage Area
RELATED
HOUSE, 51 SOUTH STREET, SOUTH FREMANTLE WA 6162. City of Fremantle Local History Centre, accessed 19/03/2026, https://history.fremantle.wa.gov.au/nodes/view/37848