description John Harington Overview
John Harington (1560–1612) was an English courtier, writer, and inventor at the court of Queen Elizabeth I. In 1596 he described a design for a flushing toilet in his work 'A New Discourse of a Stale Subject, Called the Metamorphosis of Ajax,' making it one of the earliest recorded water-closet designs. He installed a prototype at his home at Kelston and another for the Queen at Richmond Palace. Harington was also known as a literary figure and translator.
help John Harington FAQ
What did John Harington invent?
John Harington described an early flushing-toilet design. He explained it in his 1596 work A New Discourse of a Stale Subject, Called the Metamorphosis of Ajax.
When did John Harington describe his flushing toilet?
He described the design in 1596, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. The work combined discussion of sanitation with satire and political commentary.
Was John Harington a plumber or an English courtier?
He was an English courtier, writer, and inventor at Elizabeth I's court. He lived from 1560 to 1612 and was also known for his literary work.
What is The Metamorphosis of Ajax about?
It is John Harington's 1596 text describing his flushing-toilet concept. The title uses the word Ajax as a pun connected with waste and sanitation.
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