Colonial buildings of Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island was first settled by European colonists in 1830 following their arrival at Western Australia and the Swan River Colony.
Soon after, construction of a variety of private and public buildings commenced, many of which were built with Aboriginal convict labour and which remain today.
The first European settler on the island was Robert Thomson, who established a modest farm for hay production, as well as a salt collection enterprise.
[2]: 216 The following year, Thomson had his whaleboat stolen, supposedly by several of the inmates, and after complaints, Governor John Hutt decided to resume all land grants previously made on the island.
Situated immediately above the Visitors Centre off the main jetty, the structure was built as the residence for the Superintendent of Rottnest Island.
Between the two World Wars the chapel was used as accommodation for domestic staff from the island's hotel.
His successor, Sir Arthur Kennedy authorised funding for the construction of an official residence and works commenced in 1858.
Architect Richard Roach Jewell as Superintendent of Public Works and Towns, designed the two-storey building, which was completed and occupied in 1864.
Major modifications and extensions to the buildings have been made over the years, including the addition of several short-stay units for tourists and a modern bar/restaurant facility.
The "Quod" (meaning quadrangle or prison) replaced an earlier structure that was destroyed by a major fire in 1856.
[2]: 217 The superintendent William Dockwrey Jackson gave evidence to this commission as to the conditions of the prisoners: "There are 36 cells[…].
"[7] Frederick Vosper, owner of the local Sunday Times newspaper visited the prison in 1899 and described it as follows: The prison buildings are in the form of an octagon, of which about six sides are occupied by cells opening on a common courtyard, the remaining two consisting of offices, kitchen, etc.
It was originally one large room, but when converted for use as the Post Office in 1913 two internal walls were added, and modifications made to the east parapet.
Later used to house the Rottnest telephone exchange (the east wall was removed to aid the installation of this).
