But during the Middle Ages, Keele was a major route from the North-West to London for laden packhorses and caravans alike.

An iron sculpture celebrating the arrival of the Templars at Keele was erected during the constructio of the 1992 bypass between Newcastle-under Lyme and Madeley.

The inhabitants were principally employed in collieries and iron works, notably in Silverdale, also belonging to the Sneyds.

In 1948, with accumulated gambling debts amassed by the late Ralph Sneyd and high tax duties, the estate (including village outlets) was sold off by remaining relatives to Stoke-on-Trent Corporation.

[6] Keele is featured on the UK 'Here and Now' edition of the board game Monopoly, released in September 2007, It takes the place of Fleet Street in the traditional version.

The tracks remain in place but heavily overgrown and for potential future use if the line ever reopened.