Long hopper type flushing toilet pedestal with "U" bend trap, probably made in the UK, c.1850-1870.

During the middle of the 19th century, as increasing numbers of both domestic and commercial properties were installing flush toilets. However, both the quality and effectiveness of these units often depended on who would be using them. Known as a Long Hopper, this simple toilet design was generally intended for communal use in poorer housing, as well as factories, prisons and servant’s quarters. They could cost a fifth of the price of those designs used by the more affluent end of society.

Unfortunately, with their large and deep-sided conical design and weak flush, long hoppers were difficult to keep clean and very prone to blocking. They were condemned as unhygienic by many sanitary reformers of the time. Despite this, their lost cost ensured they were mass produced in their thousands.