Queens Square, Fremantle Explained

Queens Square, also known as Queen's Square, is a town square in Fremantle, Western Australia. It is located at the intersection of High Street and Parry Street, both of which bisect the square. The square was originally a single space, but was divided into four sections due to the extensions of High and Parry Streets, completed in 1886. Today Queens Square still functions as a public open space for residents of Fremantle.

History

The square began as an open space[1] on John Septimus Roe's original town plan of Fremantle, drawn in 1883.[2] In 1866, the Fremantle City Council decided that the extension of High Street should proceed through Queens Square, rather than around it.[3] By 1886 Parry Street had also been extended through the square. In February 1896 the council decided to erect fencing at Queens Square, in order to establish a tree nursery there.[4] [5] [6] Tenders were called for in March,[7] [8] and whilst several were received, all were rejected on the grounds that the proposed fences were too tall.[9] After the fencing was installed, it was criticised for reusing old, aesthetically unappealing fences "instead of neat ornamental fences".[10] In March 1903 the council resolved to install a children's playground in one corner of the square,[11] and in May 1906, drinking fountains.[12] In January 1916 the council decided that the gates were to be left open to allow for public access.[13] Three months later, after incidents of vandalism and destruction of plants, notices were installed warning that "any person stealing, pulling, or destroying flowers will be prosecuted".[14] [15]

By 1927, Queens Square was not well known, with many Fremantle residents only learning of it due to a musical concert being held there.[16] The removal of the fences at Queens Square, except for the children's playground, was proposed in August 1931, as replacing the "dilapidated" fences would be expensive.[17] However, it was not decided to remove the fences until October 1932, with a 6– concrete wall replacing them.[18] [19] The children's quarter was to have an additional fence. The work was not carried out until February 1933.[20] [21]

Current usage

Queens Square is still used as a public open space. It is landscaped with grassed areas and trees, and features paths and seating areas.

See also

References

-32.053°N 115.7514°W

Notes and References

  1. News: Old Fremantle. . . Perth . 21 April 1927 . 22 November 2012 . 29 . National Library of Australia.
  2. Web site: Queen's Square. State Heritage Office. Government of Western Australia. 16 November 2012. 23 December 2011.
  3. News: Fremantle Municipal Council . . Perth . 5 August 1886 . 22 November 2012 . 3 . National Library of Australia.
  4. News: Fremantle Municipal Council . . Perth . 20 December 1895 . 22 November 2012 . 5 . National Library of Australia.
  5. News: Fremantle Municipal Council . . Perth . 19 February 1896 . 22 November 2012 . 2 . National Library of Australia.
  6. News: Fremantle Municipal Council . . Perth . 21 February 1896 . 22 November 2012 . 24 . National Library of Australia.
  7. News: Fremantle Municipal Council . . Perth . 6 March 1896 . 22 November 2012 . 6 . National Library of Australia.
  8. News: Fremantle Municipal Council . . Perth . 6 March 1896 . 22 November 2012 . 7 . National Library of Australia.
  9. News: Municipal . . Perth . 21 March 1896 . 22 November 2012 . 3 . National Library of Australia.
  10. News: Fremantle Public Resorts . . Perth . 2 April 1896 . 22 November 2012 . 3 . National Library of Australia.
  11. News: Fremantle Municipal Council . . Perth . 17 March 1903 . 22 November 2012 . 5 . National Library of Australia.
  12. News: Council Meetings . . Perth . 8 May 1906 . 22 November 2012 . 7 . National Library of Australia.
  13. News: Fremantle Council . . Perth . 25 January 1916 . 22 November 2012 . 5 Edition: Third Edition . National Library of Australia.
  14. News: Fremantle Council. . . Perth . 18 April 1916 . 22 November 2012 . 3 Edition: Thied Edition . National Library of Australia.
  15. News: Municipal Council . . Perth . 19 April 1916 . 22 November 2012 . 8 . National Library of Australia.
  16. News: Pickings from the Port. . . Perth . 1 January 1928 . 22 November 2012 . 7 . National Library of Australia.
  17. News: Fremantle Squares. . . Perth . 4 August 1931 . 22 November 2012 . 6 Edition: Home (Final) Edition . National Library of Australia.
  18. News: Beautifying Fremantle. . . Perth . 5 October 1932 . 22 November 2012 . 6 . National Library of Australia.
  19. News: Outstanding Rates . . Perth . 18 October 1932 . 22 November 2012 . 11 . National Library of Australia.
  20. News: Queen's Square . . Perth . 19 February 1933 . 22 November 2012 . 8 Section: First Section . National Library of Australia.
  21. News: Improvements to Public Park. . . Perth . 26 February 1933 . 22 November 2012 . 8 Section: First Section . National Library of Australia.

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