Last Updated : 31 Aug 2009

John Moores received the Freedom of the City of Liverpool on the same day as Bessie Braddock in 1970. John was born near Manchester but moved to Ireland before coming to Liverpool to seek his fortune. He started work as a telegraphist while in Waterville, County Kerry before going into business himself. John chose the name Littlewood for his business venture to avoid his employer detecting it. He made his fortune in Liverpool in football pools and mail order.

The Littlewoods organization, including its retail stores, went on to become the largest private concern in Britain.

Amongst other roles in sport and politics, John Moores was once elected to Liverpool City Council and was chairman of Everton Football Club.