East Staffordshire, the capital of the National Forest, has an abundance of heritage and local history. There are bustling market towns to stroll around, picture postcard villages with quaint shops and the scenery around this beautiful area is breathtaking - it's a lovely part of England. The two major towns in East Staffordshire are Uttoxeter, where the popular Uttoxeter Racecourse is located, and Burton upon Trent (which is also often known as Burton on Trent). To a great extent, Burton upon Trent’s growth and history are associated with the former Abbey. It was the local monks who discovered that the local well water had special qualities, ideal for brewing local beer and ensuring future prosperity for the town. Thanks to the monks discovery trade expanded and the town flourished. By 1880 it was estimated that approximately 40 or more breweries were in business around the town. The Bass Museum (or Coors Visitor Centre as it is now called) can give you a taste, literally, of brewing through the ages. It is known worldwide how Burton is synonymous for brewing fine beer so while visiting the area, pop into the museum and try some samples of Burton brewed beer. There are plenty of great shops in Burton’s town centre, which has been pedestrianised making it easier and safer to walk around; car parking can be found outside each of the centres as well. Burton Place, The Octagon Centre and Coopers Square shopping centres have many high street names to choose from in addition to other specialist shops. There are many cafes and welcoming bars on offer for that much needed break whilst shopping. You can also visit the traditional, colourful, indoor market hall and open air market, so there will be something to suit everyone. Burton upon Trent is a large town that is located on the banks of the River Trent. The town originally grew around the monastery of St. Modwen, hence the monks who realised the water had special qualities for the famous local beer. Open land around the town is protected from chemical treatment to preserve the water quality, which has a high proportion of dissolved salts predominately caused by gypsum in the surrounding hills. The town still has three brewers; The Bridge Brewery (a small local brewery), Marstons, and Coors from the USA who took over the Bass Brewery in 2002. With no direct connection to the breweries (except that the yeast extract used in manufacture comes from the breweries) a Marmite factory is in the town also producing the popular savoury spread Bovril. With the Marmite factory and the breweries there can often be a distinctive smell around the area. Brewers were able to export their beers throughout the British Empire thanks to the development of rail links to Liverpool. India Pale Ale specially brewed to keep during a long sea voyage to India was once washed ashore by the barrel load after the accidental shipwreck of a cargo boat. Previous to this the bitter, darker beers like porter and stout were popular but soon pale ales took their place as people preferred a lighter beer taste. This new beer was extensively favoured by the larger breweries, as it was easier to store and transport. At it's peak Burton was the producer of one quarter of all beer sold in Britain, it was hugely popular. There were over 30 breweries recorded in 1880, though through buy outs and the process of mergers this resulted in only three major breweries remaining by 1980. These were Marstons, Ind Coopes and Bass. Currently Burton Bridge brewery is the only remaining independent brewer although Burton upon Trent is now also home to a number of high quality micro-breweries. The English euphemism “gone for a burton” is a saying that found fame because of Burton ales. This humorous suggestion started in World War II, and simply meant a missing comrade had nipped out for a beer. As well as Burton having a history regarding brewing fine ales and the famous savoury spread Bovril, it also contains a suburb by the name of Branston. This area is known for inventing Branston Pickle, a delicious pickle that is often used in a sandwich or to complement a salad. There is also a beautiful golf course in Branston. Also worthy of a mention in the Burton on Trent area is the picturesque Washlands area next to the river in the town centre, The Brewhouse Arts Centre and Conference League football club, Burton Albion. Burton upon Trent is an interesting place to go and visit with so many exciting places all steeped in history, and with the National Forest so close a day-trip, week or weekend visit can be enjoyed by many.

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