Brief History
Part of the Co-operative Heritage Trust which also looks after the Rochdale Pioneers Museum, the National Co-operative Archive is based in the centre of Manchester and looks after collections that cover the history of the British Co-operative Movement in documents, film, photography as well as packaging, advertising and other media. Personal papers include those of leading co-operators such as Robert Owen, George Jacob Holyoake, and Edward Owen Greening.
Contact Details
Co-operative Archives, Holyoake House on Hanover Street, Manchester, M60 0AS
Email: archive@heritagetrust.coop
Opening Times
The reading room is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays 10am – 4pm. We close for lunch from 13:00 – 13:45 and ask researchers to go offsite during this time.
To book a visit to do your own research at Holyoake House please download and fill in the User Registration Form and email archive@heritagetrust.coop indicating:
- the day and time you wish to visit
- which archives or rare books you wish to consult
It is helpful to have a list of the materials that you want to see in advance so we can prepare them. We can then assess your requests and advise you on availability. For details of our holdings visit the Search the Archive page.
Limited spaces are available, and you must give a minimum of a weeks’ notice when booking an appointment. Please only visit the reading room if we have confirmed your visit.
Finding Us
The Archive is located at Holyoake House on Hanover Street, Manchester, M60 0AS in Manchester City Centre’s Co-operative Quarter. Hanover Street is just across the road from Victoria Train Station and a short Metrolink (tram) ride to Shudehill from Manchester Piccadilly Station.
The building has an access ramp from street level and a lift.
We have no onsite parking; the closest public car park is NCP Printworks, Shudehill, M4 2AT.
Society for the Study of Labour History 