Crumpsall Biscuit Works (CWS)

The collection is comprised of catalogues and pamphlets which give information about the biscuit works and its products, and general information about the Co-operative movement.

Crumpsall Biscuit Works opened in Lower Crumpsall, near Manchester, in around 1873. The factory was subject to numerous alterations and expansions between around 1896 and the 1920s, including plans for a new cake bakery which were laid down in 1896, there was a new biscuit portion added in 1896, and in 1921 additional land was purchased to accommodate extensions such as new offices, a despatch room and a garage.

The factory created numerous products and had four departments, these were the biscuit factory; the cake factory; the sweets and toffee department; and the drugs and sundries section.

The works at Crumpsall boasted being "the only 8 hour day biscuit works in England" and had numerous facilities for its employees including a cricket club; football club; tennis courts; a bowling green; a recreation ground; a dining room for over 600 people with discounted refreshments and free warming of packed dinners; a library; and board and card games. The works put on numerous social events through the year including sports days, and dances and whist drives nearly every week during the winter. The works also stated that girls, however young, were started at no less than 6 shillings a week, and that they were only employed to do girls work and not to save the expense of employing men. There was also a Sick Benefit Society.

The above history summarised from information within the collection.

The collection has been arranged in chronological order.

The collection is open to any accredited reader, subject to the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2018.

Some files in this collection are subject to Data Protection legislation as they contain sensitive information and material under 30 years old is closed to access. It is advised that you contact the Archivist before visiting.

The records were deposited with the National Co-operative Archive in April 2009 by a former employee of Crumpsall Biscuit Works.

No other finding aids available.

Description compiled September 2009 by Martin Helliwell, volunteer at National Co-operative Archive.

Copies may be supplied for research purposes, subject to the completion of a declaration form. Please consult the Archivist regarding copyright issues.

None expected.