Rochdale - the pioneering town that changed the world

The townspeople of Rochdale started something big when they opened their first shop in Toad Lane in 1844.

They were protesting against local traders charging too much for basic goods and food.
The 28 residents who formed the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society reckoned they could do it more cheaply and fairly themselves.
They drew up principles and agreed to pay a dividend to anyone who became a member so money would come back to the community.
It did–and the idea caught on. Massively.
For the Rochdale Pioneers’ shop was the precursor to the Co-operative Group–the largest consumer co-operative in the world.
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