Q 01/05

Which Elizabethan courtier described England's first flushing toilet, the Ajax, in a 1596 book?

A) Sir Walter Raleigh

B) Sir Francis Drake

C) Sir Philip Sidney

D) Sir John Harington

Answer · why

D) Sir John Harington

He was one of Elizabeth I's 102 godchildren, and the book was also a coded attack on the monarchy.

Q 02/05

The S-trap, the bend that keeps sewer gas out of a toilet, was invented in 1775 by which Scottish mechanic?

A) James Watt

B) Alexander Cumming

C) Joseph Bramah

D) Thomas Telford

Answer · why

B) Alexander Cumming

He was a watchmaker by trade and held the first patent for a flush toilet design.

Q 03/05

Contrary to popular legend, which Victorian plumber did NOT invent the flush toilet?

A) George Jennings

B) Thomas Twyford

C) Joseph Bazalgette

D) Thomas Crapper

Answer · why

D) Thomas Crapper

He did hold nine patents, including the floating ballcock, and his company's manhole covers in Westminster Abbey are a minor tourist attraction.

Q 04/05

The Victorian plumber whose company name became slang held how many patents?

A) One

B) Three

C) Nine

D) Twenty-two

Answer · why

C) Nine

Three were for water closet improvements, and his firm received several royal warrants.

Q 05/05

George Jennings installed the first public pay toilets at which 1851 event?

A) The first FA Cup final

B) The opening of King's Cross station

C) The Chelsea Flower Show

D) The Great Exhibition

Answer · why

D) The Great Exhibition

His 'Monkey Closets' in the Crystal Palace caused great excitement and earned over £1,000 a year.