Historic Building Details

HB Ref No:
HB16/03/038

Address :
Former Water Trough at Knockchree Avenue / Greencastle Street junction Kilkeel Newry Co Down

Townland:
Magheramurphy

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Survey 2:
Record Only

Date of Listing:

Date of De-listing:

Current Use:
Water Trough

Former Use
Water Trough

Conservation Area:
No

Industrial Archaeology:
No

Vernacular:
No

Thatched:
No

Monument:
No

Derelict:
No

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OS Map No:
284/8 NW

IG Ref:
J3045 1436

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Owner Category

Local Govt

Exterior Description And Setting

Former drinking trough located on traffic island at Greencastle Street junction with Knockchree Avenue. One-piece trough resting on plinth blocks, all in finely-dressed granite. Bottom edges of both faces are stop-chamfered between the supporting piers, and the bottom arris to each end is rounded. There is an incised inscription on the front: ‘BE KIND AND MERCIFUL TO ALL ANIMALS / METROPOLITAN CATTLE TROUGH ASSOCIATION / 70 VICTORIA STREET SW.’ On the right cheek is the spout of a water tap. To rear the supporting plinths are abutted by half-round granite posts with rounded heads. Underneath, between the supporting piers, is a small shallow granite trough (for smaller animals). Now used as a municipal flower planter.

Architects

Not Known

Historical Information

The finely dressed granite and text shape suggests a late 19th / early 20th century date. The Metropolitan Drinking Fountain Association was founded in 1859 by Samuel Gurney MP (the nephew of Elizabeth Fry, the prisons campaigner). It strove to provide free clean drinking water in a bid to eradicate cholera and other water bound diseases and erected its first fountain in London in 1860. In 1867 it became The Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association, and widened its remit to include the provision of clean water for cattle and other animals. It is believed this organisation no longer exists as its last known address (105 Wanshunt Road, Bexley, Kent) is now a private hotel. Primary source: 1. Museum of London Library: 0171 600 3699.

Criteria for Listing

Architectural Interest

Not listed

Historic Interest

Not listed

Evaluation

An unusual structure of great historical interest, illustrative of a national trend in the late 19th century for the improvement of animals welfare. Currently located close to the site of the original market house, although it is uncertain if it was originally situated here. It is uncertain whether any other similar troughs were erected in Ireland.

General Comments

Date of Survey

26 August 1998