Cattle Trough Near The Railway Bridge

The cattle trough near the railway bridge is a Grade II listed structure, erected sometime after 1893. It is made of granite and features a long rectangular trough supported by two rectangular granite blocks. The south end has an ogee-shaped granite gable with a semi-circular bowl for a human drinking fountain. Beneath the cattle trough is a stone-edged dog trough that is nearly flush with the pavement. An inscription on the side of the trough reads, "BE KIND AND MERCIFUL TO ALL ANIMALS / IN MEMORY OF DAVID BENJAMIN / 1815-1893." At the opposite end from the drinking fountain, the trough is inscribed "METROPOLITAN / DRINKING FOUNTAIN / & CATTLE TROUGH / ASSOCIATION." Currently, the cattle trough is used as a planting bed.

The Metropolitan Drinking Fountain Association was founded in 1859 by Samuel Gurney MP. In 1867, in response to growing national concern for animal welfare, the association began erecting water troughs for cattle, which is when "Cattle Trough" was added to its title.

This late 19th or early 20th-century cattle trough, created by the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association, is an attractive piece of street furniture that retains its three components: the cattle trough, dog trough, and drinking fountain, and is likely in its original location.