Our building

Keele University Library, Keele, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG

Searchroom opening hours 9.15am to 4.45pm, Monday to Friday.
By prior appointment only.

Accessibility Information: Blue Badge parking is available in front of the building and there is a ground floor accessible entrance, otherwise access is via external steps to the second floor. On entering the building visitors are greeted and directed to the Archives by Library Welcome Desk staff. There is access to Library toilets, a refreshments area, and browsing of main Library stock.

What we collect:

We collect, preserve and provide access to a unique, eclectic and inspiring range of collections and archives, dating from the twelfth century to the present day, for the benefit of the Higher Education community and beyond.

Our holdings span some 1400 linear metres of manuscript, printed and pictorial material, which has been acquired by deposit, gift and purchase since the 1950s. Material relating to the history of North Staffordshire is a particular strength. In addition, we hold several important collections of personal and research papers, records relating to the history of the University, and a large archive charting the development of sociology in Britain.

Most Unusual Item: Lock of Charlotte Augusta Sneyd’s hair

Charlotte Augusta Sneyd (1800-1882) was the middle of nine children. Her parents were Louisa Sneyd, nee Bagot (1764-1834) and Lieutenant-Colonel Walter Sneyd (1752-1829). The Sneyds of Keele Hall were landed gentry, prominent in county society, with several members of the family serving as MPs, Sheriffs and Mayors for Chester and Staffordshire.

Charlotte did not marry and lived alongside her two unmarried sisters, Harriet and Elizabeth. By the age of 27, Charlotte displays a degree of sadness at her situation (as well as hope that she may yet meet a suitor) when she saves a lock of her hair, curled and tied with a pink silk ribbon and preserved in a paper wrapper inscribed “my own hair in case anybody should ever wish for any of it”.

Staff

Helen Burton, Special Collections and Archives Manager
Ashleigh Coffey, Special Collections and Archives Assistant