Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
The Co-operative Heritage Trust
  • Search
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
Donate
Menu
  • About us
    • Who we are
    • What we do
    • Our history
    • Jobs and volunteering
    • Governance
  • Co-operative Archive
    • Visit the archive
    • Co-op History Talks
    • Most popular
      • Robert Owen Collection
      • Women's Outlook Magazine
    • Search the Archive
  • Pioneers Museum
    • Plan your visit
    • Accessibility Information
    • What's on
    • Hire our space
    • For schools
    • Group visits
  • Telling our stories
    • What do you want to see?
    • Case studies
  • Support us
    • Donate
    • Fundraising
  • News
  • CHT Blog Posts
  • Resources
  • 07855265402
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • Our history
  1. About us
  2. Our history

Our history

How we were formed

The history of the Rochdale Pioneers is what all co-operatives have in common. They created the values and principles which underpin the modern movement. In order to safeguard the history and heritage of the movement, the Co-operative Heritage Trust was formed in 2007, bringing the museum and archive together. The Trust was formed by three major co-operative founders to be an independent charity in order to safeguard the heritage of the movement for the future.

Our founders

31 Toad Lane was first opened as a museum in 1931, and was cared for by the Co-operative Union, which is now known as Co-operatives UK (the apex body for co-operative organisations).

The archival and library collections were held by the Co-operative College, which was created in 1919 to provide training and education for British co-operators and still exists to provide support and development in the UK and overseas.

The Co-operative Group was created from a number of mergers with the Co-operative Wholesale Society or CWS which was first formed in 1863. It is now one of the largest consumer retail co-operatives in the world and the UK's fifth largest food retailer.

To find out more about our founders click on these links

https://www.co-op.ac.uk

https://www.uk.coop

https://www.co-operative.coop

Published: 28th June, 2019

Updated: 10th December, 2019

Author:

Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • Majesty and the Movement - A Jubilee Blog Post

    Majesty and the Movement - A Jubilee Blog Post

    A CHT Blog Post marking the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

  • Denim Upcycle Challenge

    Denim Upcycle Challenge

    Denim Upcycling Workshop led by Manchester Co-op, 'Stitched Up'. Hot drinks provided. Individuals or pairs must bring their own denim (or other piece of clothing) to upcycle or mend. All other materials provided.

  • Coop Farming Pioneer Wednesday

    Coop Farming Pioneer Wednesday

    Join us for a Coop Farming themed Pioneer Wednesday.

  • Easter Activity Answers

    Easter Activity Answers

Most read

  • Search the Archive

    Search the Archive

    Search our collections online via the Archives Hub. Contact us by email or telephone for assistance and to make an appointment.

  • Governance

    The Co-operative Heritage Trust is an independent charity registered 1121610. It is run by a board of trustees for the continuance of the trust's mission to share the heritage of the co-operative movement in the UK for the benefit of society.

  • About us

  • Support us

  • The co-op dividend - what is it?

    The co-op dividend - what is it?

    CHT blog post explaining the dividend and how it works today.

  • Museum Opening Times

    Museum Opening Times

    The museum is open to the general public Wednesdays to Saturdays 10:30am-4pm in 2022. We can take bookings for groups and schools on Mondays and Tuesdays in addition to normal public open days.

  • The Story of the Co-operative Women's Guild

    The Story of the Co-operative Women's Guild

    Kate Woodward looks at the fascinating history of the Co-operative Women's Guild and the impact they made from 1883-2016.

  • Visit the archive

    Visit the archive

    We are based at Holyoake House in central Manchester. Visits must be booked in advance Contact us at [email protected] We encourage you to wear a mask.

  • Who we are

    Who we are

    We are an independent charitable trust which manages the Rochdale Pioneers Museum and National Co-operative Archive in Manchester.

  • Our history

    Our history

    The Co-operative Heritage Trust was formed in 2007 to bring the Museum and Archive service together for the benefit of heritage audiences.

Sign up for our newsletter

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter your email address Please enter a valid email address (e.g. [email protected])

Find us

Registered Office
31 Toad Lane
Rochdale
OL12 0NU

+44 (0)1706 524920

[email protected]

[email protected]

Links

  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram

The Co-operative Heritage Trust CIO is a registered charity. Charity no. 1179727