Description and History of Site:-
Double cattle trough with human drinking fountain at one end and dog trough beneath. Granite. Long rectangular double trough on four granite block supports, with a rounded granite bollard against each support on the road side. Each end has an ogee-shaped granite gable, with a semi-circular bowl for a human drinking fountain attached at one end, that at the other end has been removed with only its support remaining. The inscription on the side of the trough reads:
IN MEMORY OF
PHILIP TWELLS.M.P.
FOR THE CITY OF LONDON.MAY 8.1881.

The gift of Mrs Philip Twells as a memorial to her husband to City of London. £250.0.0. Philip Twells M.P was a Member of Parliament for the City of London from 1874 until 1880, during Benjamin Disraeli's second term as Prime Minister. The date 8th May 1881 was the first anniversary of his death. This is one of only two known troughs with two fountain heads.

The Metropolitan Drinking Association was founded in 1859 by Samuel Gurney MP. In 1867, following an increase nationally in concern for animal welfare, the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain Association began erecting water troughs for cattle. It was at this point that 'Cattle Trough' was added to its title.

Further Reading and References:-
http://www.mdfcta.co.uk/

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Key Words :- cattle trough

Address :- West Smithfield, London, Greater London
Grid Ref :- TQ 31832 81625
Co-ordinates :- Lat 51.518170 , Long -0.101367
Local Authority :- City of London
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II
Historic England List No - 1391398,
Site Condition :- Site under consideration for conservation
Site Dates :- 1881 -
Record Date :- 18 July 2019

Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © Robert Mason