To use some of my post from just a couple of hours ago.
Universities that gained uni status in 1992, after years being polytechnics. These generally specialist in techincal and vocational teaching, including teaching, architecture, enginnering and just general applied science. They also taught traditional academic subjects and, although they their own degree awarding powers they was a central body that awarded degrees on their behalf.
The government recognised that the distinction between polys and tradiitional unis was become irrelevant so, under the Major government, were given uni status. Greatly increasing the number of universities in the country.
Ever major city has at least one "ex-poly" equivalent. Northumbria (Newcastle), Hallam (Sheffield), Trent (Nottingham), Manchester Met, Leeds Met, University West England (Bristol)...Often unfairly criticised by many (who don't see them as real unis, or see them as inferior instiutions.