Knight and Sons Archive

Scope and Content

Knight and Sons were the family solicitors for the Sneyd family of Staffordshire, hence most of the papers relate to the Sneyd family and estates. The papers include deeds, leases, conveyances, mortgages, demises, releases, deeds of bargain and sale, wills, probate records, settlements, grants, valuations, marriage settlements, articles of agreements, share certificates. Settlements relating to Sneyd family and settlements, 1751-1848; extracts of court rolls of the Manor of Keele, 1754-1844; documents relating to the Sneyd settled estates, 1902-1927; documents relating to the sale of the Sneyd estate, 1950s; The papers relate to various estates including Heymeece Estate, Chebsey, 1798-1842; Knutton, 1656-1848; Bednall Farm Estate, Eccleshall parish, 1706-1843; Heath End Estate in Knutton Heath Wolstanton Parish, 1671-1850; Field House Estate, Newcastle-under-Lyme, 1729-1802; Sandbach, 1588-1868, Barlaston, 18th -19th century.

Administrative / Biographical History

Country solicitors founded in Newcastle-under-Lyme in 1767 and now a multi-practice firm, Knight and Sons were solicitors to the Sneyd family of Keele Hall, Staffordshire. The firm is primarily a commercial practice but has a strong private client department. Knight and Sons is a leading firm the field in agricultural work, acting for both private and commercial clients and an increasing number of very substantial landed estates.

Reference: International Centre for Commercial Law, Knight and Sons Firm Profile (http://www.icclaw.com/l500/firms/fp/ukf1836.htm). Accessed November 2001.

Arrangement

The initial deposit of manuscripts is maintained in original bundles and chronologically within each bundle. The addition to the 1985 deposit is arranged in the following series:deeds and family settlements, manors, estates, church, miscellaneous.

Access Information

The papers are open to students and employees of Keele University. Premission from the depositors is required for external users. Please apply to Special Collections and Archives, Keele University for details.

Acquisition Information

The material is on deposit from Knight and Sons. The initial deposit was made in 1981 with two further deposits in 1985.

Note

English, Latin

Other Finding Aids

Partially listed to item level

An authority record exists for Knight and Sons (GB 152 AAR1974).

Conditions Governing Use

There are no restrictions on the use of this archive, apart from the requirements of copyright law.

Accruals

Further deposits are expected.

Related Material

The papers of the Sneyd Family are also held at Special Collections and Archives, Keele University (GB 172S).

Additional Information

English, Latin

Geographical Names