The salt industry boomed in the 1800s under the leadership of John Corbett, who became known as the ‘Salt King’. He amassed a huge fortune and used much of his wealth to change Droitwich for the better.

His major contributions were the Worcestershire Hotel, the Raven Hotel, the Chateau Impney, Victoria Square including Salters Hall, the Park Hotel (now The Herriots), the Lido Park and the brine baths (see separate entries). He was also the Liberal MP for Droitwich from 1874-1892.

Corbett adopted the raven as part of his family crest and the bird can be seen on many buildings in and around Droitwich. As for the salt industry, it went into decline following the introduction of refrigeration and the last factories closed following the First World War.