Description:The road through Keele looking towards St. John's church. The manor of Keele was bought in 1544 by William Sneyd and for the next 400 years the estate was owned by the family, and Keele Hall became the families principal seat. The villagers of Keele were primarily farmers and small-holders by the 17th century, though in 2002 Keele was mainly a residential area. The village has been much changed over the years, especially due to the development of the University and the construction of the Keele by-pass.