The History of Wandsworth Common


IN PROGRESS — NOT FOR PUBLICATION


The Horse Trough at the crossroads of Nightingale Lane and Bolingbroke Grove

Subtitle




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Here's a similar view, from a little later (compare the buses):





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The junction of Bolingbroke Grove, Ravenslea Road and Nightingale Lane, with its triangular island of mature trees, horse trough, and finger post (c.1910).

(Click on image to enlarge)

Shortly after I posted February 20024's Chronicles, Alan Underwood (Wandsworth Historical Society) got in touch with very useful information about the cattle trough in the foreground:

[Shortly after I posted this, Alan Underwood (Wandsworth Historical Society) got in contact with very useful information about the Nightingale Lane horse trough shown in the 2 photos. Thanks, Alan!]

I thought you might want to know more about the Nightingale Lane horse trough shown in the 2 photos.

It was installed by the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain & Cattle Trough Association in June 1876 (with an MDFCTA "structure number" of 564 - all the troughs and drinking fountains were allocated a unique number). The cost was defrayed by local subscriptions organised by a Mr. Walsh (presumably a local - do you know anything about him?).

The trough was removed between 1936 & 1937 when the junction layout was altered. Whereas most redundant troughs were either moved to another location or dumped in a council depot it would appear that this one was simply broken up in 1937.

[So we now have a date for the remaking of the crossroads — thanks, Alan! As it happens, I do know a little about "Mr Walsh". Nugent Charles Walsh was for many years a most assiduous Secretary to the Conservators of Wandsworth Common. More on him soon.]





For some fine photographs and further information about drinking fountains and cattle troughs in Wandsworth, see:

Cattle Troughs & Drinking Fountains in the London Borough of Wandsworth.




For background, see e.g.

Wikipedia: Cattle Troughs & Drinking Fountains in the London Borough of Wandsworth.




Drinking fountain palimpsest

When I have a moment I must add some info. about the discussion of whether the drinking fountain that can be seen outside a house on Burntwood Grange Road originally stood on the plinth on Wandsworth Common, opposite Belleville Road.