Earlier Houses: The first Keele Hall was built circa 1580 for Ralph Sneyd; this house was replaced between 1856 and 1861 by the current house, which probably incorporates elements of the 16th century house.

Built / Designed For: Ralph Sneyd.

House & Family History: Keele is of red stone with angle stone dressings and consists of a ground floor and two main floors, and is now a building of Keele University. The Sneyd family can be traced back in north Staffordshire to the late 13th century; however, they didn't come into possession of the Keele Estate in the mid-16th century. The current House was built in the 1850s and 1860s for Ralph Sneyd (1793-1870) to the design of Antony Salvin at a cost of about £80,000. The grounds and gardens were laid out around the House, and many interesting features survive today, such as the remarkable holly hedge, originally 199 yards long, 28 feet thick, and 35 feet high. At the beginning of the 20th century Keele Hall was leased to Grand Duke Michael of Russia, who entertained King Edward VII here. Later, however, the House remained empty; troops were stationed on the Estate during World War II.

Garden & Outbuildings: The college is situated on an estate of 650 acres, with extensive woods, lakes, and parkland. The Stables (Clock House) have been converted into the principal's house.

John Bernard (J.B.) Burke, published under the title of A Visitation of the Seats and Arms of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland, among other titles: Vol. II, p. 231, 1853.

Country Life: XXIII, 306, 1908. Christopher Hussey in Jan 14, 1960.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Grade II

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT FIRST HOUSE: Ralph Sneyd, 16th century. SEATED AT SECOND HOUSE: Ralph Sneyd, 19th century.

Current Ownership Type: School

Primary Current Ownership Use: School

Ownership Details: Today a building of Keele University

House Open to Public: No

Phone: 01782-621-111

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.keele.ac.uk

Historic Houses Member: No