He attended Ackworth School, near Pontefract, before, in 1848 entering his father's starch and laundry blue business as a travelling salesman.
The company grew, using heavy advertising and marketing as one means of promotion, and its starch, blue and boot polishes became successful products internationally.
[2] Reckitt was an active philanthropist, with numerous charitable works in Hull, and in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
[3] During World War I, he hosted a Voluntary Aid Detachment hospital at the Reckitt & Sons factory and housed Belgian refugees at his home.
[4] Reckitt was active in local politics, with roles including JP, County Councillor, Deputy Lieutenant (of the East Riding); he was a member of the Liberal Party.