Cattle Trough At The Junction Of Bessborough Road And West Street Cattle Trough At The Junction Of West Street And Bessborough Road

The cattle trough at the junction of West Street and Bessborough Road is a water trough built in 1898. It was erected by the Metropolitan Cattle Trough & Drinking Fountain Association in memory of Miss J.E. Gordon. The trough is made of grey granite and has a rectangular shape, resting on squat plinths at either end, with chamfered edges at the base. The north end features an ogive section that includes a drinking basin for human use on the outside. Unfortunately, the brass spouts and chained cup are no longer present. One side of the trough bears the inscription "IN MEMORY OF MISS J.E. GORDON," while the other side displays the full name of the Metropolitan Cattle Trough & Drinking Fountain Association. This association was founded in 1859 by Samuel Gurney MP and was responsible for many similar troughs across London. This particular trough originally stood on the opposite side of the road. It is listed as a reminder of the nearly vanished presence of horses and cattle in the city and is recognized as a handsome and durable piece of street furniture.