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The Co-op in Stamford Jean Orpin and Sue Lee have traced the ups and downs of the Co-operative Movement in Stamford. The Co-operative Movement
The Co-operative Movement has its roots in the early part of the nineteenth century and the principles of self-help and social equity which developed during the Victorian era. Robert Owen, who served his apprenticeship here in Stamford and went on to build New Lanark Mills in Scotland, was the inspiration for the Co-operative Movement. He believed in communities working together for the common good. William King, a physician, followed up Owen’s ideas giving practical advice and encouragement to members to open food shops as everyone needed food. One of the first successful retail co-operatives was established in 1844 by the Rochdale Pioneers. A group of weavers opened the first store on December 21st 1844 with a small selection of essential items such as butter, sugar, flour, oatmeal and a few candles. They quickly expanded the range of goods and the store became a pattern followed by many others. They created principles to follow. Each member had a vote and membership was open to everyone. There was a dividend paid on purchases and trading was by cash only. There was a policy of only selling pure and unadulterated goods and no allegiance to any one religion or political party. By 1900 there were 1,439 co-operatives and 2 million members. To buy in the best markets they amalgamated and traded overseas, moving into manufacturing, farming and importing. The Co-operative Group formed gradually over 140 years from the merger of many independent retail societies, and their wholesale societies and federations.
Peterborough Equitable Industrial Cooperative Society The society was founded as Peterborough Equitable Industrial Co-operative Society in 1876 and incorporated in 1887. It later absorbed other societies, becoming Peterborough and District Co-operative Society. They offered a personal, high quality service to their customers. Members could also sign up to have fresh bread and milk delivered each day. The milk was produced in Yaxley and bread made locally. There were a number of branches for the convenience of their customers. Cultural activities and educational classes were provided for children and employees. Above: Early Co-op advert
Stamford Branch
Below: 44 & 45 High St
A small branch of the Peterborough Cooperative opened in Stamford and as this proved a success in 1909 the Co-op bought a building at the east end of the High Street. This 18th century building was formerly owned by J. S Loweth, a wine and spirit merchant. It was rebuilt in a similar style recreating the old architectural features at the request of prominent local townspeople. Three shops were created on the site to fulfil the needs of the Society. The corner shop was for drapery, boots and outfitting, then there was a butchery and a grocery shop next door. A grocery warehouse was built behind the shop and the upper floor was a meeting room for the Society and for hiring out. The fittings were made in the Society’s workshops in Peterborough. Numbers 1 and 2 St George’s Street were rebuilt to extend the main store in 1966 and no 3 became a butcher’s shop. Today the store belongs to Marks and Spencer.
The Grand Opening – 12th February 1910. At three o’clock the town band under the direction of Mr. Steele began to play to the
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