About The Rochdale Pioneers Museum

 

The site of the museum at 31 Toad Lane was where the ‘Pioneers’, 28 working people opened a co-operative store on the 21st December, 1844.

The shop sold fairly priced, good quality food during very hard times.

This was social enterprise in action; a chance for local people to become equal members in a revolution that spread all over the world.


BREAKING NEWS!

Historic England have announced their list of 100 important places to the heritage of the UK. Each of the categories lists ten vital spots which underpin the culture and history of our nation. They were selected by a series of Judges from submissions by the general public.

For the category of Trade, Industry and Commerce, we are delighted to have been chosen to make the top ten by Tristam Hunt, Historian and current Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

We can also announce that we are working with Historic England in Rochdale to celebrate the uniqueness of Rochdale’s historic character by developing local Heritage Schools in the Borough this Summer.


We are absolutely delighted to be recognised in this way alongside some very well known sites. We welcome anyone to come and visit us for free to find out more about the heritage of co-operation and what impact it had on British trade, economy and a better, fairer life for the people.

See the full list and find out more about Historic England’s listing scheme here by copying into your browser.

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