* The Rule Book of the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers was written by Charles Howarth and includes the Objects of the Society as its “Law First”. They were setting out to improve both the financial and social conditions for members. The objects include the setting up of a shop, the building of houses, manufacturing, farming and a Temperance Hotel – to provide an alternative to the public house, which was the only meeting place for working people at the time. The ultimate aim was to change all production, distribution, education and government to co-operation. They knew that a world based around co-operation would be a much fairer place. All members would be able to buy good food at reasonable prices, to be part owners of the Society, take part in the decision making about how it would operate and receive a fair share of the profits. In addition, they would have access to libraries and educational classes which were normally only open to the rich.