It has sense, since he was related to sailors and workers at Hull. This is GROK resume about its contributions beside the industry:
Philanthropic Contributions
Sir James’s Quaker values drove his extensive charitable work, particularly in Hull and East Yorkshire, where he sought to improve the social, material, and moral welfare of the community. Key initiatives include:- Garden Village (1908): Motivated by the poor living conditions of his workers, James founded the Hull Garden Village, a model housing development with over 600 houses, gardens, and open spaces. He contributed two-thirds of the £200,000 capital for the project, which was run as a non-profit during his lifetime. The village included amenities like a clubhouse and The Oval for recreational activities. It remains a conservation area today, though it was privatized in 1950.thesirjamesreckittcharity.org.ukmuseumcollections.hullcc.gov.ukhulldailymail.co.uk
- James Reckitt Public Library (1889): When Hull authorities rejected the Free Library Act, James personally funded a library on Holderness Road. The James Reckitt Library Trust continues to manage one of England’s largest endowments for public libraries, though the original library closed in 2006 and is now a listed building. � Health and Welfare**: James was a major benefactor of Hull Royal Infirmary, serving as chairman from 1900 until his death and donating £16,000 (equivalent to ~£1.2 million today) over three years. He also funded a convalescent home in Withernsea by converting a derelict hotel and supported the Newland Homes for Seamen’s Orphans, including a £1,000 gift in 1895 to build a home for 25 girls and holiday homes in Hornsea.museumcollections.hullcc.gov.ukreckitt.comhullhistorycentre.blogspot.com
- Sir James Reckitt Charity (1921): Established with an endowment of 33,333 shares in Reckitt & Sons, valued at £66,666 in 1921 (worth £15 million by 1999), the charity has donated ovehullhistorycentre.blogspot.comthesirjamesreckittcharity.org.ukthehullstory.com
- Other Contributions: He supported the Hull and District Nursing Association, served as president of the Sailors’ Children’s Society, and hosted a Voluntary Aid Detachment hospital at the Reckitt factory during World War I, also housing Belgian refugees at his home.
