Address: The Trough, Clifton Green, York, YO30 6BQ
Description
Several metal signs encircle the water trough on Clifton Green, bearing the message ‘The police are instructed to apprehend anyone playing with or dirtying the water’.
History
A short walk out of York city centre via Bootham leads to Clifton Green. On the eastern side of the green, facing the main road, you’ll find a small trough.
Timber struts on either side display signs threatening punishment for tampering with the water supply or, as the signs put it, “dirtying the water.”
This harkens back to a time when the trough was used as a local water supply.
1892 Source: York Press
In 1883, Miss Maria Husband, a resident of Clifton Green, initiated the installation of the horse trough.
She personally donated 14 guineas and collected over 37 additional contributions to cover the total cost of 130 guineas for both the trough and its canopy.
1912 Source: Explore York Archive Asset ID: 1000729
Clifton Green, situated close to the River Ouse, has historically faced frequent flooding.
The most notable instance occurred in 1892 when the Ouse rose 15 feet and 8 inches above normal, as captured in existing photographs.
1978 – The trough can be seen on the far right of the image
Clifton Green has been a Grade II listed area since 1983. It historically served as the village green for Clifton, a medieval village that expanded along the Roman road leading into York.
The name ‘Clifton,’ of Anglo-Saxon origin, suggests the area has been settled since the Anglo-Scandinavian period.
Today, the green is a peaceful area for residents to enjoy leisurely strolls and relax. The trough, now a historical feature, no longer serves as a local water supply.
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