If you’re familiar with Surrey Street in Bassendean, you might know of a small, white render cottage that’s been standing there for over 150 years.

Built between 1856 and 1857, the Pensioner Guard Cottage is the oldest building in Bassendean and is on the National Trust Register of WA.

Over the past few years, the town of Bassendean has been looking at what to do with the site. It’s not being demolished, but the sites future is unclear with the local government possibly looking to pass it’s maintenance onto a not for profit organisation.

So what’s the history of this cottage and how is it tied to WA’s convict heritage?

Bassendean historical societies’ Mark Johnston and Museum of Perth’s Reece Harley joined Monika Kos in studio to discuss the old cottage.

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