On this day in Yorkshire

January 27, 1917

Mr Francis Reckitt, who died at his residence, Butler’s Court, Beaconsfield, on Thursday in his 50th year, was a brother of Sir James Reckitt, Bart, and one of the founders of the firm of Reckitt and Sons (Limited), Hull.

He was a Justice of the Peace for the East Riding, and was a familiar figure in the county while he resided at Hessle, before taking up residence in the South of England, about 20 years ago.

While Mr Francis reckitt never actively identified himself with public life in Hull he, like his brother, Sir James, was a generous supporter of the medical and other charitable institutions in the city. The Convalescent Home at Withernsea, which did pioneer work in the open-air treatment of consumption, had in him a warm-hearted and practical supporter; he helped the Hull Royal Infirmary, and bore a good part of the cost of the Social Institute in Danson Lane.

A few years ago he gave £20,000 to the Newland Orphan Homes.

He leaves a widow and family. Two of his sons - Mr Arthur and Mr Arnold Reckitt - hold commissions in the Army.