Timeline: Keele throughout the years

Founded in 1949 with a commitment to meet the demands of a new kind of society, economy and world, Keele was the first new university of the 20th Century and remains true to its original mission today.

1949

The new Keele estate was acquired and the University College of North Staffordshire was formed.

1951

The Queen (latterly known as the Queen Mother) formally opened University College of North Staffordshire. George Eason became the first recipient of a degree from Keele.

1951 - The Queen (latterly known as the Queen Mother) at Keele

1952

Founder and inspiration Lord Lindsay sadly dies.

1952 - Founder and inspiration Lord Lindsay sadly dies.

1954

The first graduate to receive a degree who studied entirely at Keele was Margaret Boulds. She received a First Class dual honours degree in Philosophy and English.

1962

The full University charter was awarded by Queen Elizabeth II, meaning the institution was officially known as the 'University of Keele'. Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, was appointed Keele's first Chancellor and remained so until 1986.

1962 - Queen Elizabeth II visits Keele

1962

Mid 1962

Audrey Newsome arrived at Keele and shortly after created the first student counselling service at a UK university, a concept which is now commonplace across the country.

Late 1962

The Keele Observatory opens.

Keele Observatory

1965

Keele Chapel was opened and was an innovation both in its design and in its intended use, being the first purpose-built ecumenical chapel in the UK.

1968

Little known conceptual band Pink Floyd play in the Ballroom.

Pink Floyd band

1968

A quartet of Keele students went on University Challenge - and won!

Keele University win University Challenge

1969

Two students from Keele scooped an exclusive interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono - and even got a lift from the station in the Beatle's mini!

John Lennon glasses

1970

About 300 Keele students attempted to levitate The Clock House using 'psychic power'.

Vintage photo of the Clock House

1979

Last swans sighted on Keele lakes.

Swan

1980

Irish supergroup U2 play at the Students' Union.

Gibson guitar as used by Edge from U2

1980

Early 1980

The Students' Union Building was briefly the seat of government of the Free Republic of Keele, a sovereign state which unilaterally declared its independance in 1980.

Later 1980

Department of Postgraduate Medicine is inaugurated.

1985

Early 1985

The main bar in the Students' Union is named 'Nelson Mandela Bar' in the support of the Free Nelson Mandela movement.

Late 1985

The Library clock which was stopped at 2:35 for most of 1984 starts again!

1988

Roald Dahl awarded an Honorary Degree.

Roald Dahl awarded an Honorary Degree.

1990s

The now legendary raft races on Keele lake began.

1993

Britpop legends Blur play at the Students' Union.

2001

Proposals were put forward by the University Arts Committee to set up an arboretum at Keele. The Arboretum is now a popular attraction on campus and home to the National Collection of Flowering Cherries.

Keele cherry tree

2008

The Clinical Education Centre is opened at the University Hospital of the North Midlands.

The Clinical Education Centre at the University Hospital of the North Midlands

2012

The Forest of Light was installed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of our Royal Charter.

Forest of Light at Keele Union Square

2017

Awarded TEF Gold for our outstanding teaching.

2019

Honarary graduate, Sir David Attenborough visits Keele to open our new science facilities and deliver his 70th anniversary talk.

Sir David Attenborough visits Keele

2021

Keele was recognised as the top university in the world for sustainability at the prestigious International Green Grown Awards ceremony which celebrates sustainability in higher education.

Green Gown Awards

2022

Keele was recognised as the top university in the world for sustainability at the prestigious International Green Grown Awards ceremony which celebrates sustainability in higher education.

Aerial view of solar panel fields