"Dr. Plott, in his Natural History, written two hundred years ago, refers to fee peculiar "chemical or natural properties possessed by the Burton waters," from which, " by an art well known in this country, good ale is made, and in the management of which they have a knack of fineing it in three days to that degree that it shall not only be potable, but clear and palatable as one would desire any drinke of this kind to be." In 1630 the fame of the Burton ales had spread to the metropolis, they being sold at « ye Peacocke " in Gray's Inn Lane, at that period ; while, subsequently, according to the " Spectator," it was in considerable demand amongst the visitors at Vauxhall. Upon the opening up of the Trent navigation, by the Act of 1698, Burton ale, which on account of the previous difficulties attending land carriage, was very rare in London, soon began to find its way to the metropolis by sea; but at this time the sale was of a limited character, the inhabitants of London being supplied by local brewers. The chief benefit that accrued to Burton by the opening up of the Trent was that which arose from the northern trade, the Trent connecting Gainsborough with Hull, and Hull with the northern ports. In 1746, a considerable trade had been established in the Baltic, principally by Benjamin Wilson, the founder of the firm of Allsopp, the ale finding an especially ready sale at St. Petersburg. The Emperor of Russia, Peter the Great, and his Empress, Catherine, were extremely fond of Burton ale, which, in those days, was high coloured and sweet, of very great strength, and especially suited to the Russian palate. In course of time, the export trade in Burton beer had so increased that Benjamin Wilson was induced to devote to it his particular attention, which is evidenced by the books of account shown to us by Messrs. Allsopp. In 1748 the business was not a small one, as the entries in the books, ranging from that date to 1769, amply testify. Thus, in 1765, the account of Messrs. Blayden, of Hull, from October to March, was £373 9s. 10d. ; and that of Messrs. John and William Mornby, of Gainsborough, for the same period, was £288 5s. 10.5d.
In 1766, the account of Messrs. Samuel Watson and Sons, of Hull, was settled by £655 0s. 4d.; Messrs. George Storey and Co., £359 13s. 3d.; and Mr. Robert Wilberforce, £428 13s. 2d., which he paid in flax. From 1770 to 1790, a volume of correspondence exists which affords sufficient proof of the great extent of the business, and the large foreign connections of the house. The contents of this volume are exceedingly curious, as records of the transactions of an old firm. Part of the business, seldom, however, exceeding 25 per cent, was evidently conducted by barter ; and this in a description of produce necessary for the business, such as timber, staves, etc."
"Noted breweries of Great Britain and Ireland, Vol. I" by Alfred Barnard, 1889, pages 122 - 123.