NAME Thomas Crapper
WHAT FAMOUS FOR Inventor and businessman, known for his contributions to the development of modern plumbing and sanitation systems, particularly the flushing toilet.
BIRTH Born in 1836 in Thorne, Yorkshire. Exact date unknown but baptized on September 28, 1836.
FAMILY BACKGROUND Thomas Crapper's father was Charles Crapper, who worked as a steamboat captain. His mother was Sarah Crapper.
Thomas had several brothers: Robert, who worked as a seaman, James, who was a waterman and George Green Crapper, who was also a plumber and had established himself in London earlier than Thomas.
CHILDHOOD Thomas Crapper grew up in the Waterside area at Thorne Quay, Yorkshire. His father ran a regular steam packet (paddle steamer) service along the River Don from Waterside to Hull.
As a child, Thomas lived with his mother and brothers in Thorne. It's worth noting that during this period, child labor was common in England. The Factory Act of 1833 had set limits on child workers, but even these would be considered unacceptable by today's standards
EDUCATION Between 1851 and 1860, he was trained to become a qualified plumber by his older brother George, a master pumber, in Chelsea, London.
This apprenticeship laid the foundation for Crapper's future career as a plumber and sanitary engineer, ultimately leading to his successful business and innovations in the field of plumbing.
CAREER RECORD Began as an apprentice plumber in Chelsea.
Became a journeyman plumber before establishing himself as a sanitary engineer in 1861.
Set up workshops and a brass foundry in Marlborough Road, London.
Invented and showcased the siphon flush in 1863.
Gained fame when commissioned by Prince Edward (later King Edward VII) in the 1880s to install plumbing, including 30 lavatories, at Sandringham House.
Owned the world’s first bath, toilet, and sink showroom on King’s Road, London.
APPEARANCE Existing portraits depict him as a gentleman of his era with neatly groomed facial hair and formal attire.
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| Portrait of Thomas Crapper, populariser of the flush toilet. |
FASHION As a prosperous Victorian businessman, Thomas Crapper would have adhered to the prevailing fashion of the era. His formal attire likely consisted of tailored suits crafted from high-quality wool or other fine fabrics. Worn beneath the jacket, vests added a layer of sophistication. Crisp white shirts with high collars were paired with neckties or cravats, completing the formal ensemble. As a man of his social standing, a bowler hat or top hat would have been his typical headwear.
Given his profession as a plumber and sanitary engineer, Crapper would have required attire suitable for practical tasks, especially when visiting construction sites. To shield his clothing from dirt and grime, he would have worn protective aprons. Sturdy boots were essential footwear for navigating working environments.
CHARACTER Known for his innovative spirit, business acumen, and dedication to improving sanitation.
RELATIONSHIPS On July 26, 1860, at the age of 23, Thomas married Maria Green at Trinity Church in Chelsea. Maria was his cousin and childhood sweetheart.
The couple had only one child together: A son named John Green Crapper, born in 1862. Tragically, John died in infancy in 1863, at just one year old.
Thomas and Maria's marriage lasted for over four decades. However, their union came to an end when Maria passed away in 1902, two years before Thomas retired from his successful plumbing business.
MONEY AND FAME Thomas Crapper's wealth and fame were primarily derived from his successful plumbing business and innovative contributions to sanitary engineering.
Founded in 1861, Thomas Crapper & Co. quickly established itself as a leading plumbing firm in London. The company's reputation was significantly boosted by its royal connections. In 1886, Crapper was commissioned to design and replace the drainage and plumbing systems at Sandringham House, earning the company its first Royal Warrant. Subsequent commissions for Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle further solidified Crapper's position as a preferred supplier to the British monarchy.
Crapper was a pioneer in marketing and innovation. He opened the world's first bathroom showroom, allowing customers to "try before they buy." This daring move, along with the use of large plate-glass windows to display products, was revolutionary for the time. While Crapper didn't invent the flush toilet, he held nine patents for various plumbing improvements, including the floating ballcock and advancements to U-bend and S-bend traps.
Crapper's name became synonymous with toilets, particularly after World War I when American servicemen stationed in England began using "crapper" as slang for toilets. This association, although based on misconceptions, has contributed to Crapper's enduring fame.
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| Manhole cover, inscribed "T Crapper & Co Sanitary Engineers by Patrick Mackie |
FOOD AND DRINK Given Crapper's success and royal connections, he would have had access to a wide variety of foods, including imported items that were becoming more available due to improvements in transportation and preservation techniques
LITERATURE He was the subject in 1969 of the humorous biography by New Zealand satirist Wallace Reyburn, Flushed with Pride: The Story of Thomas Crapper. The book combines historical facts with light-hearted storytelling, cementing Crapper’s reputation as a pioneer in sanitation while playing on the humorous aspects of his legacy. Though not entirely free from exaggeration or myth, the Reyburn's tome is a popular and enduring account of his life.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Craper likely focused on his craft, as there’s no mention of hobbies beyond his work.
SCIENCE AND MATHS Crapper's siphon flush system showcased a practical application of fluid mechanics.
INVENTIONS Thomas Crapper - the man who, despite what you might think, didn’t actually invent the loo. That particular honor, if you can call it that, goes to a fellow named Sir John Harington, who, back in 1596, came up with the idea of flushing away your troubles with a bit of water.
But don’t let that diminish Crapper’s contribution to the world of plumbing. Oh no, he was a bit of a whizz with a spanner, that Crapper. He invented the floating ballcock, a clever little device that regulates the water level in your cistern, preventing it from overflowing and turning your bathroom into a watery catastrophe. He also improved upon the S-bend, making it less likely to clog and smell up the joint.
Crapper was a bit of a marketing genius, too. He opened the world’s first bathroom showroom in 1870, a daring move that allowed people to see and even try out toilets before buying them. It was like a drive-thru for drains, a revolutionary concept at the time.
So, while Crapper didn’t invent the loo, he certainly made it a lot more convenient and less smelly. And for that, we should all be grateful.
SCANDAL The association of his name with the word "crap" is coincidental and has no scandalous origin.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Crapper, lived to the age of 73, suggesting a relatively robust constitution for the time.
HOMES After moving to London, Crapper initially lived with his brother George in Chelsea
He set up home at 3 Marlborough Cottages, College Street, Chelsea, after marrying Maria Green in 1860
Crapper and Maria lived in Middleton Road, Chelsea, in the early 1870s
In the 1891 census, he was recorded as commuting to London from Brighton
In 1895, he moved to 12 Thornsett Road, Anerley, London SE20. Thomas Crapper spent the last 15 years of his life at this address. The house is now marked with a commemorative blue plaque
TRAVEL As a successful businessman in Victorian London, Thomas Crapper would have had several transportation options to commute to work. The specific modes of transport would have varied depending on the period and distance of his commute.
In the early part of his career, Crapper likely relied on horse-drawn carriages, a common mode of transportation at the time. He may have owned a private carriage, such as a Brougham, or hired one as needed.
As London's public transportation system developed, Crapper may have utilized horse-drawn buses or trams. These offered more affordable options for commuting.
The expansion of the railway network in the 19th century provided efficient long-distance travel. Given that Crapper commuted from Brighton to London in the 1890s, it's likely he utilized the railway system.
In his later years, as London's transportation infrastructure continued to modernize, Crapper may have used electric trams or early motor buses for his commute.
DEATH Crapper passed away on January 27, 1910, at the age of 73. Following his death, Crapper was laid to rest in Elmers End Cemetery, which was located near his home in Anerley. This cemetery, also known as Beckenham Cemetery, became the final resting place of the man who had made significant contributions to sanitary engineering and plumbing innovations.
Crapper's grave can still be found in Beckenham Cemetery, serving as a memorial to his life and achievements in the field of sanitation and plumbing.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Crapper has been featured in various documentaries about Victorian innovation and the history of sanitation.
His contributions to the development of hygienic flush systems and early plumbing solutions are often highlighted in historical programs.
Crapper’s association with the toilet industry has inspired jokes, satirical sketches, and fictionalized portrayals, particularly in British comedy.
Perfected the hygienic and effective siphon flush.
Popularized sanitary engineering practices.
Secured prestigious commissions, including a Royal Warrant from Edward V.
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