The work of servants changed little throughout the Seventeenth, Eighteenth and Nineteenth centuries. Brewers are types of servants more particularly associated with this period, and likely to have been employed at Burghley House. However, they are neither exclusive of this period nor the only types of servants.

Brewing was a housewife's work in the medieval and Tudor periods, but she was replaced by a male servant in the Seventeenth century.

Ale, made of malt and barley, was gradually replaced by beer, with the addition of hops. These drinks were safer than water because they were sterilised by boiling, and resistant to infection due to the yeast.

Brewing was seasonal for it has an optimum temperature, the best months being March and October. Bottled beer could last six months.

The Eighteenth century saw a growth in commercial breweries, but beer continued to be made in country houses until well into the Twentieth century due to taxation.