Beer required Hops from foriegn parts, that mostly spoke French. No true Englishman would drink an imitation Ale spawned by the frogs, their social and sexual habits are the subject of a separate discussion.
The introduction of Hops was the start of the descent to Gordon Brown and the death of Old England.
Kent (which produces Kent Goldings hops) and Worcestershire have long produced hops.
http://www.timetravel-britain.com/articles/country/oasts.shtml