William Bass founded Bass Brewery in Burton upon Trent in 1777, which would become renowned for its pale ale. The brewery's success played a pivotal role in establishing Burton as a center of export brewing, influencing beer production and distribution in Britain and beyond. Bass's innovations in brewing techniques and marketing strategies helped shape the modern beer industry, making it a significant player in the global market.

The founding of Bass Brewery in 1777 connected beer with themes of empire and industrialization, influencing Victorian prose and social poetry. Poets began to explore the cultural implications of brewing and consumption, reflecting on the societal changes brought about by industrial towns.