Sir James Reckitt
#SUBHEADING#The Paternalist Philanthropist#SUBHEADINGEND# James Reckitt, the youngest son of Isaac is best known in Hull through his legacy of charitable causes and gifts to the people of the city. He had a very strong social conscience, and devoted much of his time, energy and if necessary personal capital to improving quality of life for the residents of Hull. He headed the campaign for free provision of public libraries in Hull, and when the local authorities failed to provide one he financed the purchase of one himself on Holderness Road in Hull. He assisted in setting up Hull's Royal Infirmary and was a chairman from 1900 until his death in 1924. In 1894, he was offered, and reluctantly accepted a Baronetcy. #SUBHEADING#A village for his workers#SUBHEADINGEND# James Reckitt's most substantial gift to his workers was the creation of Garden Village. He provided £100,000 for the provision of 600 purpose built houses with gardens located close to the factories. The idea was to provide healthy and comfortable domestic arrangements in a village like community. The provision of space, a village hall for religious services and public events, and garden areas were considered to provide health and happiness for his workers, which would naturally make them more content and therefore productive. They were also provided at much lower cost then less adequate housing without garden space in the rest if the city. #SUBHEADING#Special provision for the elderly#SUBHEADINGEND# Within the village were three lots of almshouses donated at various times by different members of the Reckitts family. The James Reckitt Village Haven, the last to be created in 1924 and donated on his 90th birthday, consisted of 12 houses which were specially designed to provide ultimate comfort and minimum housework possible. Priority was given to elderly Quakers and ex-employees of the company, who were charged no rent, and were given small weekly allowances supplemented by extra gifts such as bags of coal. #SUBHEADING#Garden Village today#SUBHEADINGEND# Garden Village still exists today, although the share holders sold the village to the Bradford Property Trust in 1950, who then sold-off the houses to tenants as the years progressed. As transport became cheaper and the use of the motor car more widely available, it became less important to live conveniently close to work. The Garden Village is a conservation area, and in 1994 all the James Reckitts Almshouses were given listed building status.
Reckitts of Hull
The Reckitts company name is nationally and internationally renowned for its quality of production in household cleaners and pharmaceuticals. A family run business, it has provided local employment for over 160 years, and is responsible for the manufacture of many famous household brands including Dettol, Harpic and Lemsip.
Hull People
This section contains stories about famous people who have lived in Hull. Probably the best-known is William Wilberforce, the great anti-slavery campaigner. Others include Amy Johnson, James Reckitt and T.R. Ferens. Some stories are about people who depicted Hull such as John Ward and F.S. Smith. One recounts the talents of Madame Clapham who was once Hullâs finest dressmaker.
