Thomas Crapper and The Toilet
by Thomas Crapper is credited with having invented the flush toilet, but did he?
Thomas Crapper was born in Yorkshire, England in September, 1836. He was a successful plumber and holds nine patents, including one for the ballcock.
Thomas Crapper-Image via Wikipedia
Manhole covers in Westminster Abbey carry Thomas Crapper’s name and were installed by him. It was the tradition in Victorian England for manhole covers, water closets, fireplaces, etc. to carry the name of the person who installed them.
Some persons believe that Thomas Crapper invented the flush toilet. However, he didn’t. A flush toilet was invented several centuries earlier by John Harrington. In China, a flush toilet complete with running water, a stone seat and an armrest was found in the tomb of a king from the Han Dynasty.
A Crapper-Image by Kyle and Kelly Adams via Flickr
Thomas Crapper did, however, do a lot to make the flush toilet popular. He worked hard to promote sanitary plumbing. His goals were not selfless, since he owned a company, Thomas Crapper & Co., which provided plumbing services and sold related products. His company did plumbing for the royal household at Windsor and received four Royal Warrants.
Image via Wikipedia
A Thomas Crapper Toilet in Brussels-Image via Wikipedia
Thomas Crapper produced his own goods, such as manhole covers, at his company, “The Malboro Works”. Some of the items he used were also made by others.
The sanitary ware he produced was sold in a shop located in the King’s Road, opposite Royal Avenue. Before that, most companies which provided sanitary ware were located on side streets.
The company he formed is still in existence, and produces authentic period style sanitary ware.
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Post Commentjemialbert
On March 1, 2011 at 10:38 am
good share
anndavey650
On March 1, 2011 at 11:03 am
The name always makes me giggle… I can’t help it!
Ima Vee
On March 1, 2011 at 11:49 am
great info…
That trivia about the toilet in China really got me interested…
Anyway, good job for Crapper for innovating and developing it more…
I agree with Ann, Crapper can really make anyone smile..
CA Johnson
On March 1, 2011 at 7:31 pm
This is very interesting information about the toilet. I was not sure who invented the toilet and now I do. Thanks for sharing.
Adrn0919
On March 1, 2011 at 10:40 pm
Thank you for this historical information. I was wondering where you were going to go with this. LOL Nicely written article.
nz2rdfox
On March 1, 2011 at 10:46 pm
what a crap..per indeed….LOL
Thanks I’ve learned something..now I know where did word CRAP came from
LCM Linda
On March 1, 2011 at 10:47 pm
Interesting topic. A good invention that improves the living quality.
albert1jemi
On March 2, 2011 at 7:24 am
Thanks for sharing
SharifaMcFarlane
On March 2, 2011 at 9:19 am
Thanks Jemi.
Ann, at one point I wondered if that was his name from birth.
LewSethics
On March 2, 2011 at 9:26 am
I thought this was just a myth, thanks for a great article on everyone’s favorite seat.
SharifaMcFarlane
On March 2, 2011 at 9:38 am
Hi C.A. and Ima. The architects working in China found a toilet in female quarters nearby as well.
SharifaMcFarlane
On March 2, 2011 at 9:39 am
@ Adrn and Nz
SharifaMcFarlane
On March 2, 2011 at 9:42 am
You’re welcome Albert.
Linda, it’s done a lot to safeguard the health of communities.
SharifaMcFarlane
On March 2, 2011 at 9:58 am
You’re welcome Lew.
Michal Dorcak
On March 2, 2011 at 5:09 pm
Haha, the name makes me laugh too. I wonder whether the toilet got its nickname from him or whether some of his ancestors used to crap so much he was named after the activity.
1hopefulman
On March 2, 2011 at 9:20 pm
One of man’s better inventions!
perezz
On March 2, 2011 at 9:23 pm
good share. http://webupon.com/web-talk/how-to-make-500-a-month-online/
FX777222999
On March 5, 2011 at 9:03 pm
I’ve learned something new with this topic.
Starpisces
On March 6, 2011 at 2:25 am
what an interesting post about toilets.
Cool/classic toilets!
Raj the Tora
On March 6, 2011 at 5:43 am
nice information flushed into our brains Sharifa. Thanks.
Brewed Coffee
On March 6, 2011 at 11:36 pm
What would we do without those? LOL! They sure made life more pleasant.
mtrguanlao
On March 7, 2011 at 10:04 pm
Like this article of yours Sharifa,very informative and interesting! From your research,my analysis is Crapper is not the real inventor of the flush toilet,he just made some improvements out of the concept and marketed it. Learned something new here!
yes me
On March 20, 2011 at 9:03 pm
Great shout once more there it goes down! cheers
Aileen Tecson
On March 21, 2011 at 11:18 am
very interesting, now i know where the toilet originates. thanks
Sharif Ishnin
On March 21, 2011 at 2:21 pm
We always visit this place everyday don’t we? He made our lives so easy and comfy. Thank you Mr Crapper.;)
SharifaMcFarlane
On March 21, 2011 at 5:46 pm
Thanks for your comments. Glad you enjoyed it
wonder
On March 24, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Such an interesting post, we hardly thought about these basics and take so much for granted.Now I think of the person and his effort.
Val Mills
On April 1, 2011 at 2:47 am
I wish my toilet was as decorative as the one pictured above.
SharifaMcFarlane
On April 4, 2011 at 6:05 pm
Hi Wonder and Val,
The stories behind some of these items we use every day are interesting.