Refractory Block

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Significance

The Refractory Block was constructed in 1855 using convict labour and it remains a key historical component of Fremantle Prison. The single-storey limestone building retains substantial physical evidence of its convict-era construction and use. It is the most intact and authentic convict-era punishment block (for solitary confinement) in Australia and is distinguished from the Main Cell Block by its physical form and historical functions.

The Refractory Block’s internal space retains its authentic, oppressive atmosphere, which is expressed in the original punishment cells, six of which were ‘dark cells’ with no light. The Refractory Block retains its associated exercise yard, the first of the yards to be completed at the Prison, emphasising the need to separate the most troublesome prisoners from the other inmates even in the very early period of prison administration.

The inclusion of the double chambers to the cells, with an inner and outer door arrangement, further emphasises the punitive nature of the Refractory Block, including the prevention of human contact and communication.

The Refractory Block is also associated with the central dominating feature of the site, that being the Main Cell Block. It maintains an axial relationship with the central entrance to the Main Cell Block and through this to the Parade Ground, the Wray Gates, the Gatehouse and the Fairbairn Street Ramp. This relationship is demonstrative of the symmetrical planning of the entire complex.

The Refractory Block makes an exceptional contribution to Fremantle Prison’s OUV.

The 1960 southern extension, including the adaption of the two southern-most dark cells, plus the addition of five cells and an office, is associated with the monitoring of prisoners with mental health issues and is of some significance

Principles

PRINCIPLE 153: Respect the intactness and integrity of the Refractory Block. It has a low tolerance for change.

PRINCIPLE 154: Retain and conserve the Refractory Block, observing its physical separation from the Main Cell Block and respecting its role in the axial arrangement of the Fremantle Prison complex (reflected in the relationship between the Refractory Block, the Main Cell Block, the Parade Ground, the Wray Gates, the Gatehouse and the Fairbairn Street Ramp).

PRINCIPLE 155: Retain and conserve the historic character and aesthetic significance of the Refractory Block, including both the exterior and interior of the building.

PRINCIPLE 156: No new or additional structures, however minor, should be built up to the external walls of the Refractory Block.

PRINCIPLE 157: Avoid the introduction of landscaping or built form which would ‘soften’ the appearance of the Refractory Block.

PRINCIPLE 158: The later awnings to the south, east and west sides of the Refractory Block are post-1947, as evidenced by aerial images. They do not contribute to the heritage values of the Refractory Block.

PRINCIPLE 159: The 1960 southern extension is associated with the monitoring of prisoners with mental health issues. Although the southern extension detracts from the historic character and aesthetic significance of the Refractory Block, it is of some historic significance.

PRINCIPLE 160: Maintain the internal planning and fabric of the block, and its bleak character, including the double-chambers to the cells, the ‘dark cells’, and the symmetrical arrangement of cells to either side of the central corridor. These provide important evidence of the original and highly punitive nature of the structure.

PRINCIPLE 161: Interpretation of the Refractory Block is essential to the ongoing conservation of the Prison’s heritage values. It presents opportunities for communicating the convict story to the community.

PRINCIPLE 162: The Refractory Block offers very limited opportunity for change, given its high degree of intactness and integrity, and its significance. Its bleak character should also be retained.

PRINCIPLE 163: The later additions/awnings to the south, east and west sides of the Refractory Block may be retained if useful and removed if not. Prior to removal or demolition of these elements identify the works required to make good, and reinstate or reconstruct the original building form following demolition of the addition, and ensure the funds and resources are available to undertake these works.

Structures & Spaces Actions

ACTION 77: The later additions/awnings to the south, east and west sides of the Refractory Block may be retained if operationally useful but consideration should be given to their removal. If a decision is made to remove them, first identify the works that would be required to make good the convict-era fabric and form following the demolition works and ensure that the resources are available to undertake those works.

ACTION 78: Some consideration should be given to the removal of the 1960 southern extension. However, before such action is undertaken, a detailed assessment of its post 1960 historic significance should be undertaken and careful deliberation be made regarding the impact of its removal balanced against its current negative impact on the Refractory Block’s OUV.

ACTION 79: Consider the reinstatement of the original roof form of the Refractory Block if sufficient evidence of it can be found through analysis of the structure’s fabric and through historical research.

ACTION 80: Display and interpret fabric and features that illustrate the highly punitive confinement of the prisoners and the separate prisoner experience of the Refractory Block.

ACTION 81: Continue to allow supervised public access to the interior of the Refractory Block and to maintain the high-quality interpretation program.

ACTION 82: Reinstate the original roof form of the Refractory Block if sufficient evidence, including documentary evidence, can be found.