Rochdale lies in the wide valley formed by the Rivers Roch, Beal and Irk in Lancashire. An industrial town with a a rich heritage of textile production, canals and rail innovation, Rochdale holds onto this history with establishments such as the Rochdale Pioneers Museum which celebrates the town being the birthplace of the Co-operative Movement, Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum and Touchstones which combines Rochdale's heritage with contemporary developments in arts and culture.