Clothing factory

The Coop clothing factory was built in 1871 by R Todd of Southport, for Timothy Coop and James Marsden. There were large additions in 1888, by Isitt and Verity, and in 1892 by W Verity. It is listed Grade II.

Coop & Company Ltd. was founded in 1862 in Wigan. Timothy Coop, a retail tailor, sought to reduce the employment caused by the slump in the cotton trade, by training local women and girls to use sewing machines for the manufacture of men's clothing. Coop was one of a number of local men involved in a relief committee, supporting those left unemployed by the impact on the cotton industry in Lancashire by the American Civil War.

After visiting America, Coop and his business partner, James Marsden, built new premises on Dorning Street, Wigan, opened in 1872. This was followed in 1879 with the opening of the Mantle Department for women's clothing, and in 1880 and 1890, new wings were added to the original structure.

Coop produced service uniforms during both the First and Second World Wars, and was in business until 1990.