Shared description
Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association
The history of the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association starts in the year 1959 when the Metropolitan Free Drinking Fountain Association, as it was then called, was founded by Samuel Gurney MP, a nephew of Elizabeth Fry.
The first fountain erected in London was paid for by Mr Gurney in 1859 against the wall of St Sepulchre’s Church, Snow Hill, where it can still be seen; and , within two
years, the Association had some eighty-five fountains in full working order in the metropolitan area.
From very early in the Association’s existence, members realised that the plight of
animals was equal to that of humans and by 1865 the majority of fountains then being
erected had drinking troughs for dogs attached to them. The notice to members in
1867 announcing the change in the Association’s official title to include cattle troughs
was accompanied by an appeal signed by Earl Grosvenor.
Although the demand for troughs is now less than in the past, they still regularly receive requests for assistance in the provision of drinking water for animals. The Association has for many years been actively involved in relocating troughs into positions where they would continue to be used for the original purpose.
The first fountain erected in London was paid for by Mr Gurney in 1859 against the wall of St Sepulchre’s Church, Snow Hill, where it can still be seen; and , within two
years, the Association had some eighty-five fountains in full working order in the metropolitan area.
From very early in the Association’s existence, members realised that the plight of
animals was equal to that of humans and by 1865 the majority of fountains then being
erected had drinking troughs for dogs attached to them. The notice to members in
1867 announcing the change in the Association’s official title to include cattle troughs
was accompanied by an appeal signed by Earl Grosvenor.
Although the demand for troughs is now less than in the past, they still regularly receive requests for assistance in the provision of drinking water for animals. The Association has for many years been actively involved in relocating troughs into positions where they would continue to be used for the original purpose.
by Adrian S Pye
Created: Sat, 7 Nov 2020, Updated: Sat, 4 Apr 2026
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