Have you ever driven past this little house in King Road? Ellens Cottage was built by ex-convict Henry Thomas Trott for his family in 1878. He was sentenced to 15 years transportation to Australia on 6 March 1847 for ‘stealing and assault in the company of others.’ He was shipped on the first convict transport to come to Western Australia, the Scindian, which docked at Fremantle on 1 June 1850. He was convict No 11. Trott received his ticket of leave for the Fremantle area on 3 December 1850 and two years later, he was given permission to marry Ellen Meade. His sentence expired on 6 February 1863. Trott’s occupation was listed as a boatman and mason and he is proof of the contribution that convicts with artisan skills made to the Western Australian colony and that many of them went on to become valued members of the community, often establishing their own businesses. In the 1990s, the place was saved from demolition and was restored by Morris Johnston. Mr Johnston converted the place into commercial accommodation and the place is now known as “Ellen’s Cottage”, named after Mrs Trott. (Information courtesy of Heritage Council of WA.) The property is now a bed and breakfast, but is currently undergoing renovations, so watch this space! :) x
Posted on: Fri, 05 Dec 2014 06:55:07 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015