THOMAS CRAPPER TIMELINE
1836Thomas Crapper
born in Thorne - Yorkshire.
1853
Thomas is apprenticed as a plumber to his brother George in Chelsea.
1859
The origin of species by Charles Darwin first published.
1861
Thomas Crapper & Co Ltd. is established, based at Marlborough Cottages, Chelsea.
1870
Thomas created the world’s first bathroom showroom in Marlborough Road, Chelsea.
1881
Thomas Crapper & Co Ltd. receives its first patent for ventilating household drainage.
1884
Marks & Spencer founded.
1886
Thomas Crapper & Co Ltd. awarded its first Royal Warrant as a result of the work carried out at Sandringham House.
1886
Thomas Crapper & Co Ltd. were engaged by The Royal Household to replace the sanitaryware and drainage at Sandringham House.
1888
The company receives its second patent for an improved waste trap.
1892
The company supply more bathroom products for Sandringham House, following a devastating fire and extra accommodation being built.
1893
Another patent, this time for a foot lever operated water closet.
1900
The iconic 814 “valveless waste preventer” toilet cistern is introduced.
1901
The company receives its second Royal Warrant from HRH Prince of Wales. The company then receives its third Royal Warrant from His Majesty King Edward VII.
1904
Thomas Crapper retired and sold the business to his nephew George Crapper and business partner Robert M Wharam. The company is incorporated with companies house.
1904
Ford model B first produced.
1907
Thomas Crapper & Co Ltd. purchased 120 Kings Road, Chelsea for a new bathroom showroom.
1910
Thomas Crapper died and is buried in Elmer’s End Cemetery, Beckenham, Kent.
1911
The company receives its fourth Royal Warrant from His Majesty George V.
1914 – 1918
The Great War.
1920
Formation of the League of Nations – forerunner to the United Nations.
1920
The company continues to trade from 120 Kings Road building a strong reputation for high quality products and services.
1925
Robert M Wharam Chairman of Thomas Crapper & Co Ltd. is appointed President of the Royal Warrant Holders Association.
1937
The Marlborough works are sold and a large extension is built onto the back of 120 Kings Road for use as a factory and warehousing.
1939 – 1945
World War II.
1963
When RG Wharam dies leaving no heirs the company is sold to another London based sanitaryware company Boldings Ltd.
1969
The assets of Boldings Group (including Thomas Crapper & Co Ltd.) are purchased by Mr Stephen Cowell.
1969 – 1998
The company lies dormant under the ownership of Mr Cowell.
1999
Simon Kirby buys the business and re-launches Thomas Crapper & Co Ltd. with a striking range of authentic products.
2000
Hatfield Church (close to Thomas’s birth place of Thorne, Yorkshire) installs a stained glass window featuring a toilet to celebrate Thomas Crapper’s life.
2005
Tim FitzHigham, the celebrated British comedian and author, rows the channel in a Thomas Crapper bath. A limited edition WC pan is created in honour of the fact.
2011
A Thomas Crapper toilet and washbasin are installed in Westminster Abbey in time for the Royal Wedding of HRH Prince William and The Duchess of Cambridge. At a similar time, a Thomas Crapper bathroom is installed in the Royal Suite of The Goring Hotel prior to the Duchess’s pre-wedding stay at the hotel.
2016
Thomas Crapper & Co Ltd. is purchased by Hartford Holdings Ltd., a family business based in Yorkshire.
2020
Businesses are hit hard by a global pandemic. The Thomas Crapper team and their network of approved retailers strive to service clients with Thomas Crapper products, whilst complying with legal requirements.
2021
The business continues to grow despite the global pandemic. Our approved showroom network grows to cover most areas of the UK.
2022
A new brochure with new products and a refreshed brand identity is launched.