Burton-upon-Trent
Burton-upon-Trent is a town in Staffordshire, on the River Trent and 11 miles from Derby.
The first settlement at Burton was in the 7th century by St. Modwen. There was a Benedictine abbey, of which there are scanty remains, founded here in 1100.
In the Middle Ages it was a cloth-making town, but the Abbot recognised the potential of the water for brewing.
Burton`s major industry has for centuries been brewing. William Worthington and William Bass both began commercial production in the 18th century, and at one time there were over forty breweries in the town.
Rubber and Marmite (a by-product of brewing) are other local industriesa.
St. Modwen`s Church, in a classical style, was built in 1726. It contains a 15th century font.
St. Chad`s Church dates from 1910, and was the last church to be built by G. F. Bodley.
Among the people born at Burton are Joe Jackson, singer; and Robert McElwee, TV weather forecaster.
Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby is available to lead Guided Walks around Burton-upon-Trent for groups.