THOMAS CRAPPER TIMELINE
1836Thomas Crapper
born in Thorne - Yorkshire.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.