Perhaps the centre of Fremantle culture and society every weekend, the Fremantle Markets remain one of the city’s most prominent and popular attractions, for tourists and locals alike, well over a century after its establishment. Located on a block of land at the corner of South Terrace and Henderson St., The Markets have provided people with anything from fruits and vegetables to clothing and souvenirs since the foundation stone (which still can be seen on the South Terrace frontage) was first laid on November 6, 1897. Although plans were initially formulated for a market to be built in 1889, it was not until almost a decade later that the structure designed by Charles Oldham and J. Herbert Eales was finally ready for business. The Markets placed within reach the commodities necessary to accommodate the thousands continuously arriving in Fremantle via the harbor, and still provide the city with this service today. Restorations over the years have helped to maintain the hallowed one story building marked by ornate stone arches, heavy iron gates, and a high roof supported by wooden pillars. Although trading gradually declined in the 1950’s and 1960’s to the point where demolition of the building even was considered, the Fremantle Markets persevered and have prospered since. As Shannon and Otterman point out, “The history of Fremantle Markets cannot be separated from the development of Fremantle itself.”
