Rspca Drinking Trough

A horse trough with drinking fountain presented by the Norwich and Norfolk branch of the RSPCA in 1912. It is constructed of granite ashlar and consists of a rectangular trough resting upon two squared granite blocks. The bottom edge of the trough between the blocks is chamfered. The north side rises with ogee curves to form a head which houses the water pipes. On the outer side of the head is a small semi-circular basin serving as the drinking fountain. The cistern remains intact but the spigot is missing. The east side is engraved 'PRESENTED BY THE N & N BRANCH OF THE R.S.P.C.A. 1912'.

The trough is situated on Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, opposite Britannia Terrace. It is probably not in its original location, as it does not appear on Ordnance Survey maps from 1938 or 1951, suggesting it was moved to its present position after 1951. The donkeys that provided rides for holiday-makers may also have used this trough.

The RSPCA was founded in 1824 as the world's first animal welfare charity. It was closely associated with the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association. Throughout the second half of the nineteenth century and early twentieth century, both organisations provided drinking troughs for cattle and horses. This trough is one of few known surviving examples erected by the RSPCA. Its main component parts—the granite trough resting on blocks, drinking fountain and cistern—are intact, and its inscription remains legible. It stands as an eloquent relic of a society reliant on horse-based transport.