This Fountain

THIS FOUNTAIN
ERECTED BY THE
METROPOLITAN DRINKING FOUNTAIN
AND CATTLE TROUGH ASSOCIATION
WAS THE GIFT OF

SIR COWASJEE JEHANGIR
(COMPANION OF THE STAR OF INDIA)

A WEALTHY PARSEE GENTLEMAN OF BOMBAY
AS A TOKEN OF GRATITUDE TO THE PEOPLE OF ENGLAND
FOR THE PROTECTION ENJOYED BY HIM AND HIS PARSEE
FELLOW COUNTRYMEN UNDER THE BRITISH RULE IN INDIA

INAUGURATED BY
H.R.H. PRINCESS MARY, DUCHESS OF TECK. 1869.

RESTORATION SUPPORTED BY THE HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND 1999-2000

Drinking Fountains and Cattle Troughs?! Ah, the politics of water and access to a safe supply… the Metropolitan Free Drinking Fountain Association was established in 1859, when trash and sewage were dumped in the Thames, and outbreaks of water-borne illness occurred. In addition to those health concerns, some felt it important to provide an alternative to alcoholic beverages. The Association’s name was changed in 1867 when the scope expanded to include providing for animals. Eventually the need for troughs disappeared, and the organization has continued as the Drinking Fountain Association.