The Academic, Physical, Social and Spiritual needs of the community and individual were all seen as important.
It was part of Lord Lindsay’s wish for the university that there be one worshipping community at the heart of the campus. Early on one of the largest Nissen huts in the centre of the new campus left from the use of the Keele estate by the armed forces in WWII was identified as The Chapel for the then University College of North Staffordshire. This was situated next to a similar Nissen hut identified for use by the Students Union.
The early 60’s saw the building of a new SU – across from the Library, the space between becoming known as Union Square. To the side of this – on the site of the two initial Nissen huts rose the new Keele Chapel. The Chapel was an innovation both in its design and in its intended use – opened in 1965 it was the first purpose built ecumenical Chapel in this country. It was designed by the well-known architect George Pace for multifunctional use and worship by the Anglican, Catholic and Free Church congregations that together make up the Chapel Community. The Chapel has also become a focus for performance and the Arts with most of Keele’s orchestras, choirs and musical groups performing there on a regular basis, and many internationally recognised musical groups and artists performing on a one off basis. It has in recent years hosted the RSC and a BBC film production ‘Marvellous’ celebrating the life of Neil Baldwin.
Architecture
Grade II listed Keele Chapel is a 'love it/hate it' kind of building.
Designed 1964-65 by G.G. Pace. Blue vitrified engineering bricks, slated pitched roof to eaves. Two copper covered pyramidal roof lights to paired towers and two copper-covered dormers. Rectangular building with paired apses at one end and a gallery along one side, with vestries and entrance below. Exterior is dominated by the paired apses, which rise to form a pair of towers, each with panels of vertical strip windows with square-headed lights of irregular length, separated by brick tracery. Similar windows in irregular patterns to the flanks, which are otherwise unmodelled, and to the asymmetrical gable end. Rectangular leaded lights. Square-headed entrance on flank with concrete beam over. Double timber doors, recessed. Projecting concrete gutter spouts, three to each flank.
Local Area
Set in North Staffordshire Keele Village must be unique in having both a university and service station named after it. The campus hosts beautiful gardens, lakes and cherry tree collection as well as centres of excellence in research and teaching. A number of other caches are in the local area.