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This
large town, straddling the River Trent, grew up around the
monastery of St Modwen. The monks started the wool industry
and later the ancient market town became associated with the
brewing industry.
Brewing
originally developed here because of the quality of the local
water, which contains a high proportion of dissolved salts.
To preserve the quality of the water today much of the open
land in and around the town is protected from chemical treatment.
Internationally
known as 'the brewing capital of Great Britain', Burton upon
Trent currently has 5 brewers. The Coors
and Marstons ( Tel: 01283 507391 ) breweries have visitor
centres, both offering a museum and brewery tour.
Another
of Burton upon Trent's great claims to fame is that it is
the home of Marmite! A by-product of the brewing industry,
the savoury yeast-extract spead has been manufactured here
since 1902. Bovril, (originally a beef extract but now totally
vegetarian) is also produced here.
The combination
of the Marmite and Bovril factories, together with the 5 breweries,
gives Burton upon Trent its distinctive smell!
The Trent
Washlands in Burton upon Trent forms part of the National
Forest. This large area of the River Trent floodplain boasts
a variety of habitats and has a wide range of wildlife.
Nearby
in Derbyshire stands Calke
Abbey, a Baroque mansion owned by the National Trust .
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Burton upon Trent
