Historic records shed new light on the history of the Co-Op in Barnsley

HISTORIC records and photographs charting the history of the Co-Op in the borough are amongst the latest collections to be donated to Barnsley Archives and Local Studies, based in the Central Library.

The records, which date back to the 1860s, have been fully catalogued and are now available for researchers to consult.

The history of the Co-Operative Society dates back to Rochdale in 1844, based upon principles adopted by the Rochdale Pioneers’ Society. A Rochdale miner named George Adcroft later came to Barnsley and pushed for the creation of a Co-Op here.

After meetings and discussions, a sum of £30 was collected and premises were rented in Market Street and on 13 March 1862 the first Barnsley Co-Op was opened.

These premises were soon considered inadequate and later that year business transferred to a shop at the junction of New Street and Wellington Street. Business flourished and Co-Ops were soon springing up around the borough.

This unique collection dates right back to those early days, including the very first Barnsley Co-Op report and balance sheet from 1862. The gem of the collection is a large post-war photograph album showing Co-Op stores from around the borough.

Cllr Roy Miller, Cabinet Spokesperson for Customer and Neighbourhood Services, said: “We are delighted to add these superb records and photographs to the collections of the Archives and Local Studies Department where they are freely accessible to the public.

“The wonderful photographs in particular will allow historians to gain an insight into the development of the Co-Op whilst allowing the general public to reminisce about a bygone age.”

For more information contact Paul Stebbing, Archives and Local Studies Officer, 01226 773950.
ENDS