HISTORY OF STAFFORDSHIRE. 47 



In the 1 7th century many of the inhabitants of Burton were 

 clothiers, and their kersies were held in great estimation ; and some 

 tammies and woollen cloths are now manufactured in this town. 



But the chief article of commerce produced in Burton is its Ale, 

 for which it has long been celebrated. The origin of this lucrative 

 business was in the year 1610, when Benjamin Printon began a 

 small brewery, and his success induced others to engage in the 

 same business. Hence the trade has gradually risen to its present 

 importance : there are now nine capital breweries in the town, and 

 great quantities of Burton Ale are annually consumed in this 

 country, besides an export trade to a considerable amount to the 

 northern nations of Europe. Catherine II. Empress of Russia, is 

 said to have been immoderately fond of this beverage. The brewers 

 of Burton, in opposition to the common practice, prefer hard water 

 to soft ; and though they have the waters of the Trent running by, 

 they universally use that supplied by their pumps. Yet notwith- 

 standing the singularity of this method, their ale is famous for body 

 and strength. 



Three cotton factories erected in Burton afford employment to 

 some hundreds of the inhabitants. 



An extensive manufactory of screws has long been established 

 in the parish of Burton ; and the manufacture of hats is also con- 

 siderable in this town. 



The mill mentioned in Domesday-book still exists on an islet, 

 about half a mile below Burton-bridge. In the year 1745 it con- 

 sisted of three parts, one of which was a corn-mill, another for 

 making wash leather, and the third a forge for refining iron. The 

 corn-mill is now rented of the Marquis 6f Anglesea, by Messrs. 

 Evans and Wilson ; the second is converted into a cotton factory 

 by Messrs. Peele, Yates, and Co. ; and the forge has been for some 

 years occupied by the Lloyds, Quakers, of Birmingham, who carry 

 on in it an extensive iron manufactory. 



An Act of Parliament was obtained in 1698 for improving the 

 navigation of the river Trent. The Burton Boat Company are pro- 

 prietors of this navigation from Gainsborough. The Grand Trunk 

 Canal from the Mersey to the Trent runs parallel with the river, 

 with which it forms a communication at the south end of the town. 

 Some jealousies arising between the two companies, occasioned the 

 canal to be extended to Wilden Ferry, parallel with the river, to 

 the detriment of both parties, but for the public good, as the price 

 of tonnage was diminished by this opposition. 



