Toad Lane

Toad Lane is a historic street located in Rochdale, England, recognized as the birthplace of the modern cooperative movement. In 1844, local mill workers and residents founded the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society on Toad Lane, establishing one of the world’s first consumer cooperatives dedicated to fair trading and shared ownership. This innovative approach empowered members and laid the foundation for cooperative businesses worldwide. Today, Toad Lane serves as a symbol of social enterprise and community-led initiatives, with a museum and heritage center highlighting its crucial role in social and economic history.