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Kit Harington's relative invented the flushing toilet for Queen Elizabeth

Written by . Published: February 20 2014

Game Of Thrones star Kit Harington has a murky past - one of his direct ancestors invented the flushing toilet.


The actor reveals poet and inventor John Harrington came up with the contraption in the late 1500s.


He says, "Thus why it's called the john."


And the actor's relative had a very special first client - Queen Elizabeth I.


His famous descendant adds, "He invented it for her, as the story goes, and she made him godson to her, which is quite interesting. She was obviously very grateful."


Harington is keen to spread the word about his latrine-loving relative to discredit 19th century plumber Thomas Crapper, who is often credited for inventing the toilet, as "an absolute charlatan".


The actor states, "He came in and he took all the credit for it."

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