This drinking fountain and cattle trough is approx. six metres long and constructed of granite. It is inscribed with the words: 'Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association'. Originally called the Metropolitan Free Drinking Fountain Association, it was founded in 1859 with the requirement ‘That no fountain be erected or promoted by the Association which shall not be so constructed as to ensure by filters, or other suitable means, the perfect purity and coldness of the water.’ In 1867 it changed its name to include cattle troughs. This was in response to the growing concern for animal welfare. Members realised that the plight of animals was equal to that of humans. A notice to members in 1867 included an appeal from Earl Grosvenor (later to become the 1st Duke of Westminster): ‘The intense suffering which is experienced by all kinds of animals from thirst in the streets of London has long been a source of anxiety and grief to all humane and benevolent persons…’ This drinking fountains and cattle trough is probably not in its original position, but it probably served the horses of the clientele who frequented the Pembury Tavern opposite and the carmen who drove the horse drawn cabs from the City to Clapton. Today it is being used as a retaining wall to an area of raised grass. It most probably dates from c.1867.
This is an unusual item of street furniture that is of much historical interest. Drinking fountains and cattle troughs are a greatly undervalued heritage asset that are fast disappearing from our streets. This example probably dates from the mid- to late-Victorian period when horse-drawn cabs where still the main form of transport in the area.
These buildings were identified by the Love Local Landmarks surveyors, and added to Hackney's Local List in 2012.
Ad hoc additions - Buildings added after the bulk adoption resulting from the Love Local Landmarks project in 2012
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