Beer has been made in the small Midland town of Burton-on-Trent for centuries: ale brewed by the monks at Burton Abbey was sent to Mary, Queen of Scots in captivity.

Beer has been made in the small Midland town of Burton-on-Trent for centuries: ale brewed by the monks at Burton Abbey was sent to Mary, Queen of Scots in captivity. Then, in the 18th century, the introduction of Burton Ale began the town's rise to brewing prominence, a fame which was cemented forever with the production of the first cask of the world-famous India Pale Ale. Today, brewing continues to thrive in the area, and a small renaissance has taken place with the arrival of a clutch of new breweries alongside such national institutions as Marston's. Raise a glass to Burton's unique and heady history, and celebrate its diverse and delicious heritage with this fascinating and richly illustrated historical compilation by The Good Beer Guide's editor, Roger Protz.