The compleat loo

An Elizabethan gentleman, Sir John Harington, is credited with inventing the first British water closet, years ahead of its time. In earlier days, the Romans had drainage systems as efficient as any today but after them, the European loo languished for centuries. The privy and Ôthunderbox' held sway until early Victorian engineers put the valve-closet on the map. The 19th century saw astonishing developments in lavatory technology with fine installations in steam ships and trains as well as magnificent examples in country houses, palaces and municipal conveniences. British Victorian loos are perhaps still the best that man has so far achieved. Over 100 remarkable pictures and cartoons.