The native Australian Noongar people inhabited the area that is now Fremantle, which was known as Walyalup. The area was considered as a site for possible British settlement in 1827, when Captain James Stirling, in HMS Success, explored the coastal areas near the Swan River. As a result of Stirling's report, Captain Charles Howe Fremantle of HMS Challenger, a 603 ton, 28-gun frigate, was instructed to sail to the west coast of Australia to establish a settlement there. On 2 May 1829, Fremantle hoisted the Union Flag in a bay near what is now known as Arthur Head, and in accordance with his instructions, took formal possession "of the whole of the West Coast of New Holland" in the name of George IV of the United Kingdom.
This post is part of the Signs, Signs meme.
Gorgeous architecture!
ReplyDeleteSome of this architecture makes me think of New Orleans which is once again being battering and terrorized by a hurricane. Thebuildings wre beautiful and I love the signage. Such a varied anda interesting post. Thanks for the history, too. genie
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely city. We need more gargoyles!
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