Some years ago I( wrote a book on public water supplies in England, and have since been fascinated by their design. The lack of clean water became a public health matter after the arrival of cholera and the knowledge that it was spread by contaminated water. Provision of drinking fountains became the object of charities such as the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Horse Trough Association. Fresh water sources were provided not only for humans – with bronze cups on chains as was apparently the case here, suggesting this might have been one of theirs. As most transport was by horses, troughs for them was also a priority. What is missing here is the often found lower bowls for dogs. the conversion of the horse trough to a flower pot is common, but the memorial to Edward, here seen showing charity to a poor girl suggests he built this.