The Generous Factory Owner Who Built a Village for His Workers known as Criddle’s Estate

A heartwarming piece of Sefton history tells the story of John Frankland Criddle, a compassionate factory owner whose legacy still touches lives today.

Philanthropist John Frankland Criddle(Image: Photo courtesy of Jan Assheton/The Criddles family)

Born in November 1876, John Criddle was the son of William Criddle, founder of Criddle’s Treacle Factory, a well-known local business that produced treacle and syrup on Merton Grove in Sefton.

A tin of Criddles Old Fashioned Black Treacle(Image: Courtesy of National Museums Liverpool)

While the factory was renowned for its products, John became equally famous for his extraordinary generosity and commitment to his workers.

In the 1930s, John sold his shares in the family business and used the proceeds to create something remarkable - a village for his employees. Named Merton Village, this community in Ford was built to provide affordable housing for the factory’s loyal workers and their families. The village, affectionately called “Criddle’s Estate,” consisted of 132 homes, each complete with a garden, a rarity at the time. John was determined to ensure his workers had good living conditions, including fresh air and proper sanitation, which were revolutionary ideas for housing in that era.

John’s wife, Helah, shared his philanthropic spirit. A dedicated suffragette, Helah was known for her activism and was even arrested after chaining herself to the railings of the Houses of Parliament. Together, the couple also adopted two refugee children from Austria, further demonstrating their compassion and commitment to social causes.

John, known locally as “Mr. John,” was beloved by the community for his kindness. While tenants in Merton Village paid rent, it was described as “ridiculously low” for the time. If a worker struggled to pay, John would simply waive the rent for that week or month. His granddaughter, Jan Assheton, shared, “He literally gave away his wealth. It’s incredibly rare for someone to use their success to benefit others in such a significant way. We are so proud of what he did.”

Beyond housing, the Criddles lived modestly, prioritising the well-being of others over material wealth. Their generosity extended far beyond their family, leaving an enduring legacy in the Litherland area.

A photograph including John Criddle and his wife, Helah, annotated 'Best wishes for Xmas. H & JFC'(Image: Courtesy of National Museums Liverpool)

In 2021, the Criddle family sought to commemorate John and Helah’s contributions to the community. After months of planning, a plaque was unveiled on one of the original Merton Village homes, ensuring that future generations would remember the kindness and philanthropy of the Criddle family.

The ceremony was attended by five generations of the family, with ages ranging from 90 years to six months old. Jan reflected, “We’re just so proud of what they stood for—humility, generosity, and the belief in a better quality of life for everyone. They gave so much and expected nothing in return. Their story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make.”

Today, Merton Village stands as a testament to the remarkable vision of John Frankland Criddle and his wife Helah. Their selflessness and compassion have left a lasting imprint on the community, inspiring others to carry forward their legacy of kindness and generosity.