Who we are

What is the Co-operative Heritage Trust?

We exist to preserve the heritage assets of the co-operative movement in the UK.

This means that we look after collections from records to objects which tell the story of how the movement began, the way it grew and its influence on the social, economic and political history of the country.

One of our assets is the building in which the first successful consumer co-operative began. Number 31 Toad Lane was where 28 working class people came together to try to create a fairer way to live and work to benefit their community. They established a set of values and principles which formed the basis for co-operative organisations all over the world. The building, which has been open as Rochdale Pioneers Museum since 1931, remains a source of inspiration for people wanting be a part of positive change. *We are an accredited museum.

We also provide secure storage for and access to records in our National Co-operative Archive; housed at Holyoake House, in Manchester where members of the public visit by appointment to do their own research.