Droitwich with its natural springs has made it the home of salt making since the Bronze Age. The Romans, Saxons and Normans controlled the industry and the wealth it generated, but in the 13th century the town's burgesses were granted a monopoly by royal charter. For nearly 500 years Droitwich had a stable and prosperous existence as an industrial and market centre. After the ending of the monopoly, salt production increased until the 19th century but as the industry declined the spa town was developed, which flourished into the middle of the 20th century.