The new Sneyd Room clock was donated by Mr Timothy Joy. Mr Joy purchased the clock at a sale in Newmarket, Suffolk approximately 35 years ago for his family home and now wishes to donate this to the University.

It is likely that the the clock was presented by Ralph Sneyd to one of his staff in 1901 as indicated on the attached copper plate. The full inscription reads; Presented together with a purse of gold to WILLIAM BRITTON, Stud Groom to Ralph Sneyd Esq, by his friends as a token of esteem on his leaving Keele 17th September 1901 Ralph Sneyd Esq was “Sporting Ralph”.

As Mr. Joy purchased the clock in Newmarket, Suffolk, the “home of racing”, he wonders if Mr Britton may have moved on to another position at a stud down there or perhaps even retired to the town.

The Clock is now in place on the fireplace within the Sneyd Room, in Keele Hall.

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