Thomas Crapper, English plumber and businessman (b. 1836)

Thomas Crapper, born on 28 September 1836 and passing away on 27 January 1910, was a distinguished English plumber and astute businessman. He is primarily known as the founder of Thomas Crapper & Co, a prominent London-based company specializing in high-quality plumbing equipment. While his name has become almost synonymous with the modern toilet in popular culture, particularly in the United States, his actual role in its invention has been significantly overstated. This widespread misconception largely stems from the publication of a fictional biography, "Flushed with Pride: The Story of Thomas Crapper," penned by the satirist Wallace Reyburn in 1969.

The Man Behind the Myth: Thomas Crapper, Plumber Extraordinaire

Despite the myths surrounding him, Thomas Crapper was undeniably a significant figure in Victorian sanitary engineering. He was an innovator who focused on improving existing plumbing systems and raising standards for hygiene and efficiency. His company, Thomas Crapper & Co, established itself as a reputable firm known for the superior craftsmanship and reliability of its products, earning a clientele that included the British Royal Family.

Debunking the Myth: Did Thomas Crapper Invent the Toilet?

It is a common misconception that Thomas Crapper invented the flush toilet. This is factually incorrect. The first recorded flushing toilet was actually designed by Sir John Harington in 1596 for Queen Elizabeth I. Later, significant improvements were made by other inventors, such as Scottish watchmaker Alexander Cumming, who patented the S-trap in 1775, crucial for preventing sewer gases from entering homes. Joseph Bramah further refined the design in 1778, creating a more efficient valve system. Crapper's contribution was not invention but rather the refinement, popularisation, and diligent marketing of high-quality sanitary ware, particularly in an era when public health was becoming a critical concern. The enduring association of his name with the toilet is largely due to the pervasive influence of Reyburn's satirical book, which, despite being fictional, was often taken as a factual account.

Crapper's Genuine Contributions to Plumbing

While Crapper did not invent the toilet, his contributions to the plumbing industry were substantial and focused on practical improvements and system reliability. He held nine patents during his career, three of which were directly related to advancements in water closets. His key innovations included:

Crapper's emphasis was always on creating robust, efficient, and hygienic systems rather than entirely new concepts, which resonated with the growing demand for improved sanitation during the Victorian era.

Pioneering Retail and Royal Recognition

Thomas Crapper & Co was also a trailblazer in plumbing retail. The company established what is often cited as the world's first showroom dedicated exclusively to baths, toilets, and sinks. Located on King's Road in London, this innovative space allowed customers to view and select sanitary fixtures in a dedicated setting, revolutionising the way plumbing equipment was sold. The company's lavatorial equipment was manufactured at its premises in nearby Marlborough Road, which is now known as Draycott Avenue, reflecting the industrial scale of their operations.

Crapper's unwavering commitment to quality earned him considerable prestige and several highly coveted Royal Warrants. These warrants signify that the company had supplied goods or services to the Royal Household, serving as a powerful endorsement of their exceptional quality and reliability. Holding a Royal Warrant was a mark of supreme excellence and significantly boosted the company's reputation, attracting a discerning clientele.

A Lasting Legacy and Tourist Curiosity

Today, a tangible piece of Thomas Crapper's legacy can still be observed in London. Manhole covers bearing the Thomas Crapper & Co company name can be found in Westminster Abbey. These covers, part of the Abbey's drainage system installed by Crapper's firm, have unexpectedly become a minor yet intriguing tourist attraction. They serve as a quiet testament to the enduring quality of his company's work and offer a subtle nod to the man whose name became inadvertently famous for the very systems he helped to refine and make ubiquitous.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thomas Crapper

Did Thomas Crapper invent the toilet?
No, Thomas Crapper did not invent the toilet. The first flushing toilet was designed by Sir John Harington in 1596, and later key improvements were made by Alexander Cumming (S-trap) and Joseph Bramah. Crapper was an innovator and marketer of high-quality plumbing fixtures who improved existing designs.
What were Thomas Crapper's actual contributions to plumbing?
Thomas Crapper held nine patents, including improvements to the floating ballcock mechanism in water closets. His most notable invention was the U-bend in 1880, which improved upon the S-bend trap by creating a more effective water seal against sewer gases.
Why is Thomas Crapper's name associated with toilets?
The association largely stems from a fictional biography, "Flushed with Pride: The Story of Thomas Crapper," by satirist Wallace Reyburn, published in 1969. Despite being satire, many readers took it as factual, cementing the misconception.
What is a Royal Warrant, and why did Thomas Crapper receive them?
A Royal Warrant is a mark of recognition granted to individuals or companies who have supplied goods or services to the British Royal Household for at least five years. Thomas Crapper & Co received several Royal Warrants due to the exceptional quality and reliability of their plumbing products, reflecting their high standing in the industry.
Where was Thomas Crapper's showroom located?
Thomas Crapper & Co owned what is often considered the world's first dedicated showroom for baths, toilets, and sinks, located on King's Road in London.