Drinking Trough At Ngr Ss 9957 4209

The drinking trough, located in Timberscombe village, dates from the late 19th century and is made of Portland stone. It has a rectangular shape and is set on four stone blocks with a plinth. The trough features a gabled top with a pair of trefoil-headed niches and a mask above. An inscription on the reverse reads, "... in Memory of James Hole... 1876 and his wife died 1855". The trough is 60mm thick and is not connected to a water supply. It is missing drinking cups and an outlet, suggesting it may have been relocated. Originally, it likely had chained cups set in the niches and a separate water supply, allowing both animals and humans to benefit from Mr. Hole's generosity.