Two-tonne 19th century drinking trough takes pride of place

A piece of EC1 history, which for years has been hidden within the depths of City University, has been returned to its rightful place.

A drinking trough used by horses and cattle in the late 19th century was winched by crane from its modest, temporary resting place on Friday (31 July) and positioned in a setting more worthy of its historic splendour on St John Street.

The two-and-a-half tonne trough, manufactured by the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Trough Association in 1889 can now be found in front of the Queen Boadicea pub at the end of Wynyatt Street.

EC1 New Deal for Communities board member and keen historian David Hyams said: “These troughs used to be all over London for the welfare of animals. My grandfather used to drive a horse and cart – his horse may have even drunk from this trough. It’s great that we have this bit of history and character in the area for all to see.”

It is thought the trough may have been moved from its original location on St John Street to allow for building works and then never put back. It will be filled with plants to create the main focal point for a scheme funded by EC1 New Deal for Communities and Islington Council that has seen the once derelict area in front of the pub brought back to life. Other improvements include replacing old, dilapidated planters with new ones, cycle racks, and new, porous paving which enables rain water to feed the plants and trees.