Main Cell Block

Significance

The Main Cell Block is a key historical convict-built component of Fremantle Prison and is critical to the place’s OUV. It is the central dominating feature of the site, and both its scale and expansive west setting in the Parade Ground emphasise its primacy and importance. Its position within the Prison, including the axial relationship with the Wray Gates and through this to the Gatehouse and outer gate, is demonstrative of the symmetrical planning of the complex which placed the Main Cell Block at its centre. The Main Cell Block also retains substantial physical evidence of its convict-era construction and use, and its subsequent history as a colonial and state prison, including its internal configuration and spaces. Architecturally and aesthetically the limestone building is remarkably intact to its original form and gains considerable strength and presence from its scale, materiality, repetitious detailing and simplicity of expression. The external scale is also reflected internally in the central atrium which, combined with the original interior fabric, retains its authentic if oppressive atmosphere.

The Main Cell Block is the most intact and authentic convict cell range in Australia with the Refractory Block the most intact and authentic convict-era punishment block. The Anglican Chapel is also one of the finest and most intact of the early prison chapels in Australia.

The Main Cell Block is in addition an iconic and widely recognised convict building, particularly in Western Australia, with its image being regularly reproduced in publications and on social media.

Those parts of the Main Cell Block that are of exceptional significance are as follows:

whole of Main Cell Block (unless otherwise stated)
Anglican Chapel
original space and fabric of the north and south Association Wards
Catholic Chapel as an early introduction to the northern Association Ward

Those parts of the Main Cell Block that are of considerable significance are as follows:

evidence of later (post-1898) division of the building based on the prisoner classification system
evidence of the (post-1898) widening of cells through removal of dividing walls
Recreation Hall as a later introduction to the northern Association Ward
library as a later introduction to the southern Association Ward
cookhouse/kitchen at southern end of Main Cell Block, including the large brick chimney

The part of the Main Cell Block that is of some significance is as follows:

special handling unit
non-original and recent fitouts to offices, library, kitchen and catering facilities, RC Chapel, Recreation Hall/cinema

Those parts of the Main Cell Block that are of little or no significance are as follows:

all other modern fabric

Principles

PRINCIPLE 103: Unlike other buildings at the Prison, many of which have been updated and adapted to ongoing and evolving prison use and/or later use, the Main Cell Block offers much more limited opportunity for change. This recognises its high degree of intactness and integrity, and its significance as the most intact large convict-era cell range in Australia.

PRINCIPLE 104: The Main Cell Block must be maintained as the most prominent and dominating feature of the Prison complex. Its historic character and aesthetic significance must be retained and conserved, including the exterior and interior of the building.

PRINCIPLE 105: Internal Prison views of the unencumbered west façade must be maintained.

PRINCIPLE 106: No new structures, however minor, should be are introduced into the viewshed (axial relationship) between the Main Cell Block Chapel, Wray Gates and through this to the Gatehouse and outer gate.

PRINCIPLE 107: ‘Free space’ must be retained around the elevations and facades of the Main Cell Block to allow the original form, materials and detailing to remain highly visible and legible. Later extraneous, attached or adjoining structures should also be removed, including those which partly conceal the south elevation. An exception is the east façade which abuts the Exercise Yards.

PRINCIPLE 108: Avoid the introduction of landscaping or similar which would ‘soften’ the appearance of the Main Cell Block.

PRINCIPLE 109: Maintain the presentation of the internal space of the Main Cell Block, including that of the central atrium which reflects the external scale of the building, and provides evidence of the original planning and programme of the Main Cell Block.

PRINCIPLE 110: Evidence of the staged 1850s construction of the building, as reflected in the fabric, must be retained.

PRINCIPLE 111: Evidence of the four divisions of the Main Cell Block, in the present configuration of corridor or atrium (open from ground floor to roof structure) with stair and gallery access to the upper cells, must be retained.

PRINCIPLE 112: Retain evidence of the staged building program including the iron gallery railings which date from different periods of the 1850s and were manufactured locally or imported from England.

PRINCIPLE 113: Retain some evidence of later change and evolution in the building so that its development over time can be understood, but only where this retention does not physically or visually impact on, or otherwise detract from, the convict-era fabric.

PRINCIPLE 114: The reconstructed cells which simulate the original form of the convict and prison cells should be retained and conserved.

PRINCIPLE 115: Evidence of the Catholic Chapel as both former Association Ward and later Chapel should be retained.

PRINCIPLE 116: The open character of the hall/theatre and the original jarrah post and beams should be retained.

PRINCIPLE 117: The limestone walling of the original yard east of the kitchen and the extension to the south early in the twentieth century should be retained. The area contained within the walls may continue to be adapted as required.

PRINCIPLE 118: Interpretation of the Main Cell Block is essential to the ongoing management of the Prison, and to highlighting and transmitting the OUV of the place.

Structures & Spaces Actions

ACTION 53: Keep the suicide nets at first floor level in good condition and securely anchored.

ACTION 54: Display and interpret fabric and features which illustrate the historical confinement of the prisoners and the prisoner experience, including personal items and individual treatment of cells. These can include items that relate to more recent prison operations (up until 1991) but such items generally should not take precedence over, nor be to the detriment of, the display and interpretation of convict-era fabric and items.

ACTION 55: Finalise the draft individual Conservation Management Strategy for the Main Cell Block, as prepared by Fremantle Prison.

ACTION 56: Continue to investigate the interior fabric and decorative treatment of the Anglican Chapel. Consider restoration and reconstruction of the early decorative treatments where evidence exists.

ACTION 57: Consider returning the library to its original space by removing existing partitions, and retaining the open roof, jarrah flooring, and evidence of hammock frames and hammocks for interpretation purposes.

ACTION 58: Continue to allow supervised public access to the interior of the Main Cell Block and to maintain the high-quality interpretation program.

ACTION 59: Consider restoration of the Main Cell Block floors, including removal of concrete and patching of the flagstones.

ACTION 60: Interpretation of the original architectural aesthetic of the interior has commenced in 1 Division. However, at this stage it lacks some clarity and retains fragments of much later fabric. The treatment should be continued but with a more cohesive approach and a focus on the interpreting/highlighting the convict-era fabric.

ACTION 61: Regarding the Anglican Chapel, remove the bars and grilles and repair termite damage and plaster loss.