Clawfoot Bathtub Refinishing and History » The first flushing toilet was invented by Sir John Harrington
Oldest Plumbing Commode
In 1596, the first flushing toilet was invented by Sir John Harrington. He made one for himself and one for his godmother Queen Elizabeth. These were the only two ever produced. After Sir John published a book describing his invention, he was mocked into retirement for his foolish creation. It took almost 200 years before anyone else attempted to create a flushing toilet. In 1775 and 1777, Alexander Cummings and Samuel Prosser each made strides in the reemergence of the water closet.
In 1885, a revolution in toilet making occurred: Thomas Twyford created the first valve less toilet made of china. Until then, water closets were more commonly made of metal and wood. It is widely reported that Thomas Crapper invented the toilet. Not true. He did own a plumbing supply store in England and bought the rights to a patent for a “Silent Valve less Water Waste Preventer,” but he should not be credited with inventing the toilet.

