Text only | Access keys | Help | Contact us

our history

a co-operative timeline 1844 – 1900

See the key events that have seen The Co-operative grow from a small shop in Lancashire to a worldwide movement.

1844 1862 1863 1867 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1895 1900 1901-1950

1844

Rochdale Pioneers Society established, starting a period of phenomenal co-operative growth. Based on their eight 'Rochdale rules', including distributing a share of profits according to purchases that came to be known as 'the divi'.

Look at the full-size photograph.

1862

Industrial and Provident Societies Acts (I&P Act) gave co-operatives a corporate status for the first time, providing a proper legal framework for them. The first I&P Act had been enacted in 1843.

Look at the full-size photograph.

Photograph of the Industrial & Provident Act document

1863

Co-operative Wholesale Society (CWS) established, originally called the North of England Co-operative Wholesale Industrial and Provident Society Limited; the Scottish CWS followed in 1868.

Look at the full-size photograph.

1867

The Co-operative Insurance Company (CIC) becomes a limited company. The CIC later converted to the Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS) in 1899.

Look at the full-size photograph.

Photograph of the Co-operative Union's building, Holyoake House

1870

Co-operative Union established (initially known as the Co-operative Central Board) as an outcome from the first national Co-operative Congress, held in 1869.

Look at the full-size photograph.

1871

The first edition of Co-operative News is published.

Look at the full-size photograph.

Photograph of the first edition of Co-operative News

Photograph of The Co-operative Bank building in Manchester

1872

The Co-operative Bank established, initially as the CWS Loan and Deposit Department, registered as a separate wholly-owned subsidiary of CWS in 1971.

Look at the full-size photograph.

1873

CWS entered manufacturing and later became substantially involved in importing, ship owning and in many overseas ventures, including joint CWS/SCWS tea estates.

Look at the full-size photograph.

1895

International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) established and held the first international congress in London.

1900

A total of 1,439 co-operative societies now registered.

Look at the full-size photograph.

Photograph of Dalton & Furness Co-operative Store

This is our history – be part of our future and join us today.