‘Gone for a Burton’ you say? Actually, there is some dispute about the origin of this phrase which effectively means ‘disappeared without sight’. Many believe it started during the Second World War to carry the meaning of ‘dead’, as in killed in action. One version claims that the expression refers to the training of RAF wireless operators in Burton’s clothing store in Blackpool; those who failed their tests were said to have gone for a Burton. We think a more plausible version of events is a reference to Burton beer with the implication that a person who is noticeably absent has probably nipped off for a pint.

Ask any Burtonian which town in England might lay claim to be the home of brewing and they will tell you that Burton on Trent occupies this place in history. For centuries brewing was Burton’s major trade and it is still an important part of the economy. The town is currently home to eight breweries including Coors Brewers Ltd, which was formerly Bass Brewers – and you cannot move far in Burton without being reminded of the famous Bass family of brewers. We have Bass Town House and Bass House on the High Street – the large and impressive site where all the work was done, right on Burton High Street; we have Bass Meadow and we are a town full of people who still fondly recall drinking Bass in the local pubs with a true sense of ownership.

Brewing as an industry leaves its mark on the town in its heritage and in the continuing economy. Even the Marmite factory based in Burton is a by-product of the brewing industry and this in turn generated the production of Bovril and both famous brands (one of which you might have strong feelings about) are now owned by Unilever.

At Nicholas Humphreys we are proud to have a base in Burton because this is a town where you will not only find the friendliness and community associated with the north but where there is a lot of local history – much of it still represented thankfully in some fine building and monuments.

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