Burton-on-Trent

Burton-upon-Trent is famous for one thing, beer. It was Benedictine monks who discovered long, long ago that the local water lent itself to brewing, which has been the mainstay of the town’s economy ever since.

Local businessman Michael Bass, of Bass Breweries, became Lord Burton in the 19th century after funding the building of the Town Hall and the churches of St. Paul and St. Mowden. You can learn all about Burton’s brewing heritage at the Bass Museum of Brewing Heritage.

Nearby is the ruined Tutbury Castle, which was built in the 12th century it was more like a fortified town than a mere castle. Mary Queen of Scots was held captive here twice and it is said that it was the prison she hated most.