Leeds Co-operative Society Was founded in 1847 when workers at Holbeck's Benyon & Co flax-spinning mill initiated the raising of funds in instalments from working-class families to rent a mill on this site. 'The People's Mill' provided them with wholesome, reasonably-priced flour. By 2007 co-operatives had spread worldwide with 700 million members - but Leeds Co-operative Society was still the oldest in existence.