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Public conveniences
The history of public toilets dates back thousands of years. In Ancient Egypt, Pharaohs and peasants alike benefited from the Nile's life-giving waters, which they used in primitive public toilets. The Romans were known for their elaborate public bathhouses, and they even had communal latrines where citizens could socialize while taking care of business. The Greeks also had public latrines, often situated near their famous gymnasiums and public squares.
As European cities began to flourish and populations grew, the need for better sanitation became more pressing. During the Renaissance, a few cities, such as Paris and London, started to introduce rudimentary public toilets. These facilities were often nothing more than holes in the ground with wooden planks to sit on, but they were a significant step forward in the history of public toilets.
As the Industrial Revolution brought rapid urbanization, the need for improved public sanitation became even more critical. The 19th century saw the dawn of the modern public toilet, with several significant advancements taking place. In 1851, during the Great Exhibition in London, George Jennings introduced the first public pay toilet, complete with flushing toilets and handwashing facilities. During the exhibition, 827,280 visitors paid one penny to use them; and "To spend a penny" became a familiar English phrase. Nowadays we have self-cleaning toilets, gender-neutral restrooms and even waterless toilets. Whatever next? I hope some future historian updates the story so far…..
As European cities began to flourish and populations grew, the need for better sanitation became more pressing. During the Renaissance, a few cities, such as Paris and London, started to introduce rudimentary public toilets. These facilities were often nothing more than holes in the ground with wooden planks to sit on, but they were a significant step forward in the history of public toilets.
As the Industrial Revolution brought rapid urbanization, the need for improved public sanitation became even more critical. The 19th century saw the dawn of the modern public toilet, with several significant advancements taking place. In 1851, during the Great Exhibition in London, George Jennings introduced the first public pay toilet, complete with flushing toilets and handwashing facilities. During the exhibition, 827,280 visitors paid one penny to use them; and "To spend a penny" became a familiar English phrase. Nowadays we have self-cleaning toilets, gender-neutral restrooms and even waterless toilets. Whatever next? I hope some future historian updates the story so far…..
by Basher Eyre
Created: Thu, 26 Sep 2024, Updated: Thu, 26 Sep 2024
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