Water Trough and War Memorial

The structure is a water trough and First World War memorial, dating to circa 1902 and designed by Edward Thomas Boardman (1861-1950). Originally commissioned by the armaments manufacturer Josiah Vavasseur of Kilverstone Hall, it was later dedicated to commemorate parish losses in the First World War.

The water trough is constructed of shuttered concrete, with a pyramidal, shingled, hipped roof topped by a lead finial. A lead gargoyle on the south side directs rainwater into a trough below. A square base features projecting buttresses on the east and west sides. Arcading, decorated with tile creasing, is present on all four sides. The east and west walls incorporate chequered tile creasing and wooden benches. A north-facing entrance has two steps and a pair of cast iron gates. The south side features a semi-octagonal water trough, also decorated with tile creasing, and is further distinguished by two bands of tile creasing. Two memorial plaques are affixed to the south side; the upper plaque is inscribed ‘THE GRIEF THAT LINGERS, AND THE PRIDE THAT BURNS, ALL THAT LOVE MEANS AND HONOUR CAN EXPRESS’, and the lower plaque lists names of those who fell in the First World War, noting service in France, Mesopotamia, and Salonika.

The lower portion of the south wall is faced with glazed red tiles. A concrete step leads to a concrete basin containing a standpipe.

The water trough is designated at Grade II for its unusual Arts and Crafts design, high-quality detailing, design by a known architect, largely intact condition, and the subsequent addition of memorial plaques commemorating the parish dead of the First World War.