Padwell Cross Pond on the grassed area of the Avenue, known as Asylum Green
Posted by Highfield Residents' Association on Jan 20, 2021 in Local History | 0 comments
On the grassed area known as Asylum Green on the Avenue was Padwell Cross Pond used by thirsty animals going to the Common. By 1850 this pond contained dead putrid animals and other unwholesome material.
Following the 1849 Cholera outbreak in Southampton there was an enquiry into local sanitary conditions. The Ordnance Survey, on the other side of the road to Padwell Cross Pond, complained about the health risk it presented so the pond was filled in.
Living on the Common was local shipbuilder John Ransom who passed the pond each day and was concerned that water be available for thirsty animals and their handlers. Following discussion and agreement with the Borough Council he paid for a water fountain to be erected in November, 1865. Following road changes in 1966 it was moved further north.
