KEELE UNIVERSITY | 21
Keele University
Keele University is situated on an estate with
extensive woods, lakes and parkland, formerly
owned by the Sneyd family.
The Sneyds came into possession of the Keele estate in the
mid 16th century. Before the Sneyds, the area was owned by
the Knights Templar, a medieval military order. The first Keele
Hall was built in 1580 and it was rebuilt in 1860. The Hall
is a major conference, wedding and banqueting venue
and has Grade II listing from English Heritage for its
architectural importance.
The University itself was founded as the University College
of North Staffordshire in 1949 and received its Charter as
the University of Keele in 1962.