Burton
upon Trent (population
approximately 60,000), the largest town in the National Forest,
is located in the English Midlands, approximately 125 miles northwest
of London. Surrounded by the beautiful, picturesque countryside
of Staffordshire, Burton upon Trent is the economic, commercial,
and administrative heart of East Staffordshire.
The town`s history began in the 7th century, with Saint Modwen's construction of a church on a small island in the Trent River, and written records date back to the founding of a Benedictine Abbey in 1004. In the following centuries, the growth of the town was associated with its role as a local market town, and with the existence of the Abbey. It was the discovery by the monks, of the special qualities of the local well water for brewing, however, that established Burton's worldwide reputation and provided for the continued prosperity of the town. Inns were built near the Abbey to accommodate travelers, and most innkeepers began brewing their own ale. When the River Trent was made navigable from the sea, as far as Burton, new markets opened for the high quality ales produced locally. Soon, Burton brewers were exporting their product across the continent and around the world. By 1880 more than 40 breweries were located in Burton, including such famous names as Bass and Marston's.
While justifiably proud of its heritage, brewing no longer dominates the local economy as it once did. Today, Burton has a thriving and diverse economic base that includes automobile assembly, mechanical engineering services, and the production of rubber and plastic goods. The 1989 arrival of a $1,000,000,000 Toyota assembly plant has attracted such related business as Johnson Controls (seat manufacturers), Automotive Logistics Ltd. (automotive components), and Daifuku Europe Ltd. (robotics). Best Foods UK Ltd., makers of Bovril and Marmite, are also located in Burton, and nearby Uttoxeter is home to major employers JCB (excavators) and Northern Foods (biscuits).
Arts and leisure activities
abound in Burton upon Trent. The Brewhouse Arts Centre offers
a varied line-up of 
entertainment
throughout the year, including theatre shows, live music, dance
events, and exhibitions.Burton Town Hall provides an elegant gothic
setting for a wide range of concerts, shows and feature events
and is home to a mighty "Wurlitzer" organ. Annual events
include a rowing regatta on the River Trent, and a ten-day Burton
Festival, featuring the Burton Beer Festival and the World Barrel
Rolling Championships. Meadowside Leisure Centre and Shobnall
Leisure Complex offer a wide range of recreational activities
to visitor and resident alike. Burton is renowned for its beautiful
landscapes , including Stapenhill Gardens and its floral displays,
and the more informal Trent Washlands, rich in wildlife and delightful
views. The River Trent and the Trent and Mersey Canal wind their
way through the Town. Nearby Branston Water Park provides 40 acres
of wetlands, meadows, and woods, with hiking trails, picnic tables,
and play areas for the entire family.
For the shopper, Burton upon Trent offers a number of major shopping facilities, containing many of the country's leading retailers and a good mix of specialty shops, and a colourful open air market held in the heart of the town, Thursday through Saturday. As one would expect from a town with a thousand year history, sightseeing opportunities in and around Burton are almost too numerous to mention. Located in Burton upon Trent is Saint Modwen's Church, acknowledged to be one of the finest examples of Palladian Gothic architecture in the world, and parts of the 14th century Abbey infirmary, incorporated into the nearby Abbey Inn. "The Queens" (18th century) stands on the site of the much older "The Three Queens", a posting house and inn licensed in 1531 and reputedly visited by Mary Queen of Scots. Burton is also home to the Bass Museum of Brewing with its Shire Horse Stables.
Just
a few miles from Burton is the historic village of Tutbury, with
its medieval fortress, Tudor, Georgian and Regency homes, and
a Parish Church which stands on the site of an 11th century monastery.
The friendly market town of Uttoxeter is also located in East
Staffordshire, and is famous for it`s popular National Hunt Steeplechase
course where each spring the Midlands Grand National is run. In
nearly every direction it seems, beautiful vistas, historic sites,
and unforgettable experiences await those who take the time to
explore the Staffordshire countryside.
Additional information on Burton upon Trent is available by telephoning the East Staffordshire Borough Council`s Economic Development Service (tel.44 (0)1283-508000) or the Tourist Information Centre (tel.44 (0)1283-516609).
Special thanks to the Borough of East Staffordshire for sharing their photographs with us.