Leicester Chronicler - Thomas Crapper

Thomas Crapper's inventions and career have been the subject of much debate from which has arisen a certain amount of fictitious claims.

It is said that Crapper invented the `Valveless Waste Preventer', (otherwise known as the flush tank), and the pedestal closet', (known today as the lavatory pan), but these are mythical claims. However, he certainly secured many patents for elements of the toilet, including one for the ball cock.

Apart from some royal examples on the Queen's estate at Sandringham and in Westminster Abbey, there are now only a few rare surviving examples of his iron manhole covers.

However, at the last count, Oakham boasted no less than eleven covers manufactured by Crapper, "the father of English sanitation", including one example located outside the county's museum.

Thomas Crapper was born in Waterside in South Yorkshire in 1837, the son of a steamboat captain. At the age of eleven, it is said that he walked the 165 miles from his home to London - perhaps looking for a public convenience - and became apprenticed to a plumber in Chelsea. Thirteen years later he set himself up in business building the Victorian sewer network. His company was appointed Sanitary Engineers to both King Edward VII and King George V.

Quite why Oakham should still have so many Crapper manhole covers is puzzling. Some local historians suggest that a local contractor bought the covers from the Crapper company's Marlborough Works in Chelsea (in a location now known as Draycott Avenue) at about the turn of the century. They are located mainly in areas of Oakham owned by Oakham School which some opine may explain the lavatorial humour of past generations of Oakham schoolboys.

Although cast in iron, Crapper's covers are still vulnerable to the ravages of time and progress. It is reported that contractors working on the creation of a car park (in the 1990's) cracked the cover situated behind the museum, and another, near the Drill Hall in the town, has been destroyed, again by building work. However, Rutland's Crapper collection totals still stand at eleven because a previously unknown cover was discovered in the centre of the town just a few years ago.

Crapper’s manhole covers were especially important to his company. They were their own products and held patents for them. ‘T. Crapper’ on a manhole cover meant exclusive to, patented by and installed by Crapper & Co Ltd.

Flushed with pride, Rutland celebrates its independence, having regained unitary status. The great and good of the county are hoping that the council will treasure its heritage with respect.

Thomas Crapper died in 1910 and is buried near the grave of the cricketer W.G. Grace in Elmers End Cemetery. His legacy survives. In the words of one local expert, "we may not be able to place Crapper's memory on a pedestal, but he is still there beneath our feet".