Rochdale: Birthplace of the Co-operative Movement
In 1844, twenty-eight weavers and other artisans opened a shop at 31 Toad Lane in Rochdale. The Rochdale Pioneers, as they became known, established the principles of the modern co-operative movement: democratic control, open membership, and the distribution of surplus to members. The building is now the Rochdale Pioneers Museum. The principles they wrote down spread worldwide, forming the basis of a movement that now has over one billion members across 100 countries. It is not an overstatement to say that Rochdale changed the world, even if the world has largely forgotten to credit it.
Show more
In 1844, twenty-eight weavers and other artisans opened a shop at 31 Toad Lane in Rochdale. The Rochdale Pioneers, as they became known, established the principles of the modern co-operative movement: democratic control, open membership, and the distribution of surplus to members. The building is now the Rochdale Pioneers Museum. The principles they wrote down spread worldwide, forming the basis of a movement that now has over one billion members across 100 countries. It is not an overstatement to say that Rochdale changed the world, even if the world has largely forgotten to credit it.
Country selected
Region selected
City selected
