Who invented the flush toilet and when?

The modern flush toilet was invented by Sir John Harington, an English inventor, in 1596. Harington, a godson of Queen Elizabeth I, created a device that used a valve to release water, flushing waste away. Although Harington’s toilet was not widely adopted, it laid the groundwork for future innovations. The modern flush toilet, which included improvements such as a stronger flushing mechanism and more effective water seals, became more popular in the late 19th century, particularly after Thomas Crapper made significant improvements in the design. His work contributed to the widespread use of the flush toilet in homes and public facilities.