Queens Square, Fremantle

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.^[2] 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 an 6–8 inch (15–20 cm) high concrete wall replacing them.^[18][19] The children's quarter was to have an additional fence.^[18][19] The work was not carried out until February 1933.^[20][21]

Current usage

Queens Square is still used as a public open space.^[2] It landscaped with grassed areas and trees, and features paths and seating areas.^[2]

See also

• High Street, Fremantle
• Kings Square, Fremantle

References

Coordinates: 32°03′11″S 115°45′05″E / 32.0530°S 115.7514°E / -32.0530; 115.7514