Burton Abbey

historic site, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Burton Abbey was a Benedictine abbey founded in 1002 in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, England. The town of Burton upon Trent is historically known for its brewing industry, which originated with the monks of the abbey. The abbey's water, rich in calcium sulfate from gypsum, was particularly suitable for brewing.1

Today, only a gatehouse, parts of the walls, and a doorway remain of the original abbey. A 15th-century half-timbered building stands on the site of the abbot's house. Burton upon Trent is situated on the River Trent and is a significant brewing center, with brewing still an important industry there.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Burton upon Trent
…originated with the monks of Burton Abbey, a Benedictine abbey founded there in 1002. By 1801 there were nine brewing firms in Burton, and beer—including India pale ale—is still an important industry there. Of the abbey, only a gatehouse, part of the walls, and a fine doorway remain; a 15th-century…
Read More
…originated with the monks of Burton Abbey, a Benedictine abbey founded there in 1002. By 1801 there were nine brewing firms in Burton, and beer—including India pale ale—is still an important industry there. Of the abbey, only a gatehouse, part of the walls, and a fine doorway remain; a 15th-century…
Read More