The 1902 Bass Kings Ale… On the 22nd February 1902, King Edward VII visited Burton as a guest of Lord Burton (Michael Arthur Bass), who was a personal friend of the King. During a tour of the Bass brewery, the King was invited to pull the levers to start the brew now known as KING'S ALE. Teddy Roosevelt is president, Marconi transmits telegraphic messages, Maybach builds the first Mercedes car and the Boxer revolts and Boer War are still going.