What did the Fremantle Arts Centre used to be?
In 1958, the old Fremantle Lunatic Asylum was finally threatened with demolition and was saved largely through the efforts of Sir Frederick Samson, then Mayor of Fremantle. His vision for the site was to establish both a Mariners’ Museum and an Arts Centre.
How many people does the Fremantle Arts Centre hold?
Capacity: 400 general admission or 300 seated. Space: Approx. 350m2 courtyard in the centre of FAC’S historic building.
When was the Fremantle lunatic Asylum built?
Fremantle Asylum was built in 1857 as a response to the increasing number of ‘insane’ convicts being sent from Britain after transportation began in 1850. In reality, the growing numbers of people with mental illnesses were as likely to have been a natural consequence of a growing population in the colony.
What did the convicts build in Fremantle?
Fremantle Prison was built as a convict barracks in the 19th century and remained in continual use until 1991. The Prison was a place of hangings, floggings, dramatic convict escapes and prisoner riots.
When was Fremantle Roundhouse built?
18 January 1831
Opening on 18 January 1831, the Round House was the first permanent public building to be constructed in the Swan River Colony. Originally built as a jail, its later uses included a police lock-up, living quarters and storage facility for Fremantle Port before being opened to the public as a tourist attraction.
Did the convicts build the Roundhouse?
The building was not erected by convicts, or by prison labour of any sort. Early Days, 1, 10: 57. On August 11, 1830, Mr.
Why was the round house built?
Opening on 18 January 1831, the Round House was the first permanent public building to be constructed in the Swan River Colony. Originally built as a jail, its later uses included a police lock-up, living quarters and storage facility for Fremantle Port before being opened to the public as a tourist attraction.
What was the round house used for?
The roundhouse’s primary function was for storage and maintenance of steam locomotives. However, since most steamers operated in only direction, forward, turntables were placed front and center of the roundhouse.