The history of afternoon tea a great british tradition. It is amazing how tea had an impact on civilization, its health decreasing cholera because of the water being boiled. Anna, 7th duchess of bedford, is credited with introducing afternoon tea around 1840 as a. May, 2011 3 in the 1800s britain wanted tea and china wanted opium, so the british east india company grew the drug in bengal by then part of the british empire, sold it, via merchants in calcutta, to china for silver. The emergence of the afternoon tea highlighted the british custom of dunking biscuits into tea, which was then later done around the world. The middle and lower classes would have a more substantial high tea later in the day, at five or six oclock, in place of a late dinner. Let these afternoon tea facts show you how it began, what you can expect, and how you can plan your own tea menu. Continuing on my quest to read as many tea books as possible, i found the story of tea at the library. Both gained their popularity in the mid 19th century a popularity that continues today nearly a 160 years later. Africanamerican tea rooms restauranting through history. It is believed that the king of englands wife, catherine of braganza, was the very first person to introduce afternoon tea to the masses. Theres something very gracious about taking afternoon tea.
Tea likely originated in the yunnan region during the shang dynasty as a medicinal drink. Afternoon tea was introduced in england by anna, the seventh duchess of bedford, in the year 1840. Glad you learned a little history about the ritual. There were few historical sources available on the internet then and even a research trip to chicago turned up nothing. From the chinese tea houses of the ancient tang dynasty 618907 to the japanese tea ceremonies developed by zen buddhist monks, and the current social issues faced by tea growers in india and sri lankathis fascinating book. Except that the latter was actually influenced by a. A victorian afternoon tea guide boston tea party ships. Rather than going into a history or details of the art of afternoon tea, this cuts right to the chase and presents dozens of simple, easy to follow recipes for sandwiches, savories, cakes, scones, and drinks, each one limited to a page or two, with a colour photo of the various steps, as well as a photo of the finished sandwich or. The duchess would become hungry around four oclock in the afternoon. Recipes, history, menus between friends cookbook by pam mckee. You can serve the tea or coffee accompanied with some different snacks. Written by two tea traders, the story of tea claims to be a cultural history and drinking guide.
Aug 23, 2016 in some quarters it was believed that too much tea could be injurious to health and that adding milk could counter its potential ill effects. The history of afternoon tea and other delicious facts bt. A history of afternoon tea words like cuppa and expressions like not my cup of tea have become staples in the british language for years not to mention that tea. The london ritz book of afternoon tea captures the essence of this traditional british occasion it is precisely this atmosphere which is embodied in the palm court tearoom at the ritz in london, which for many years has been one of the most delightful and traditional places to take tea. Afternoon tea is a tearelated ritual, introduced in britain in the early 1840s. What set afternoon tea in middle and upperclass households apart from the working classes was the etiquette that needed to be observed. Jane austen hints of afternoon tea as early as 1804 in an unfinished novel. Tea is a complex brew of taste, history, art, revolution, and money. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
The afternoon tea is very popular until this present day. Anna began taking tea and a snack in her private boudoir in the afternoon to fill. By 1700 tea had become a popular drink and was on sale in more than 500 coffee houses in london. Tea consumption increased dramatically during the early nineteenth century and it is around this time that anna, the 7th duchess of.
Its generally accepted by historians that afternoon tea didnt truly begin until the 19th century, but it actually did make an appearance far earlier. It was started in the 1800s by anna, the seventh duchess of. Be the first to ask a question about the london ritz book of afternoon tea. The origins are a little unclear its generally accepted by historians that afternoon tea didnt truly begin until the 19th century, but it actually did make an appearance far earlier. The life and times of the worlds favorite beverage. Afternoon tea is a wellknown and loved english tradition. If you think that afternoon tea is only a drink, you are wrong. A history and guide to the great edwardian tradition by vicky straker isbn. Snuggling up with a pot of tea and a good book on a lazy afternoon when the weather turns cool is the best have to admit though that i start my day w coffee and cream now. The evening meal in her household was served fashionably late at eight oclock, thus leaving a long period of time between lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea today the two world wars radically changed the taking of afternoon tea, especially with tea rationing continuing into the 50s but the custom did survive until well into the mid20th century.
This is probably the most useful of my books on afternoon tea. Jan 03, 2020 now that we know the difference between the two, we decided to try out an afternoon tea at the bel and the dragon. The history of afternoon tea and other delicious facts cucumber sandwiches, pots of cream and a dilemma about who should pour the pot who doesnt love afternoon tea. Farmers tea is a combination of a ploughmans lunch heavy grained bread, sharp cheese, fruit, and sausages or a meat pie, popular in british pubs, served with a sweet. A brief history of afternoon tea tea was first introduced to britain in the 1640s as sailors returning from the far east brought back packets of tea into the country as gifts. Apr 06, 2009 the true history of tea is almost the history of human beings.
The history of afternoon tea the tradition of afternoon tea not to be confused with high tea more on that below and the cosmopolitan are contemporaries. How tea parties got their startand how to hold one like a victorian. The tiered cake stand, loaded with elegant crustless triangular or finger sandwiches, fragrant justbaked mini scones and dainty pastry works of art. She is the author of sixteen books on tea, including a social history of tea, the new tea companion and design for tea. The activity is good for those who want to enjoy high quality lifestyle.
Aug 20, 2015 how tea parties got their startand how to hold one like a victorian. Taking afternoon tea is a quintessential british pastime and has been part of the nations culture for centuries. Afternoon tea history and facts the lovat loch ness. You can pick assorted parties, afternoon tea sandwiches or freshly baked scones with jam and cream. Aug 09, 2016 top ten facts about afternoon tea this is afternoon tea week so here are some facts to chew on as you consume your tea and scones. China is world renowned as the homeland of tea planting, production and drinking. London tea master jane pettigrew speaks at international tea events, teaches tea masterclasses, and serves as a consultant to the world tea industry. By the end of the 19th century, the britishchilean fusion transformed into the afternoon tea we all know and love today, fit for both the upper and middle class. An early credible record of tea drinking dates to the 3rd century ad, in a medical text written by hua tuo. This book include more on the history of afternoon tea, how to plan a tea party, monthly tea menus, recipes with pictures,tips on hosting a successful and memorable tea.
The true history of tea is a meticulously researched and cited book, presenting the detailed and complex history of tea within several chinese dynastic upheavals up through the eventual intervention of the british and the rise of standardized, factory teas outside of china. Whilst the custom of drinking tea dates back to the third millennium bc in china and was popularised in england during the 1660s by king charles ii and his wife the portuguese infanta. Most people refer to afternoon tea as high tea because they think it sounds regal and lofty, when in all actuality, high tea, or meat tea is dinner. Bbc travel the true story behind englands tea obsession. All this accompanied with a pot of the best loose leaf tea, served amid fine linen. The first chapter is called a brief history of tea, though its pretty comprehensive to me. Information about tea and tea history tea cakes and. The salt its easy to get overwhelmed by the english and their social tea traditions. For tips on creating your own perfect afternoon tea party, check out our latest afternoon tea book, twelve teas to remember. The history of afternoon tea a great british tradition historic uk. Mair is professor of chinese language and literature at the university of pennsylvania and the author of many books including the true history of tea and the tarim mummies. He has been history advisor for a number of york tourist attractions and is the author of many books on a wide range of subjects, including histories of northern places focussing on yorkshire, social histories of tea, chocolate and confectionery and various aspects of classical literature and roman history. This english custom is a sweet and civilized way to entertain, and it breaks up the day in the nicest way.
Richardson says the name high tea probably evolved from the fact that. While afternoon tea is a very delicate affair, there is a marked difference between afternoon tea and high tea. At the time, people only ate two main meals a day breakfast and dinner, with dinner being served at 8 pm. Tea can have other herbs, spices, or fruit flavours in it, like lemon sometimes the word tea is used for other drinks that have been made by soaking fruit or herbs in hot water, like rosehip tea or camomile tea. History of high tea history english afternoon tea tea etiquette. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Although tea drinking was popularised in england during the 1660s by charles ii, afternoon tea did not become established until the midnineteenth century.
Now that we know the difference between the two, we decided to try out an afternoon tea at the bel and the dragon. The history of tea written by teabox on april 20, 2017 in history of tea tea today is perceived as the quintessential british drink, but it has a long and complex history. Feb 24, 2009 on reading several shorter englishlanguage books on tea, this was one of the most frequently cited in their bibliographies. The true story behind englands tea obsession a stiff upper lip and an almost genetic love of tea are what makes the english english. Aug 30, 2018 the british ritual of afternoon tea originated when the duchess of bedford decided, sometime in the early 1840s, that she was tired of feeling peckish in the middle of the afternoon. There also are many facts and quotes about the history of tea, tea foods and tea. Although there is a theory that sancha mountain tea originally grew wild in remote areas of japans mountains and that this tea was consumed, the first tea grown in japan is said to have been planted in seburisan, saga prefecture, from seeds brought from china by eisai. Not that the bedfords were especially short on candles, but someone has to lead these things. In the 1840s, some 200 years after tea was first introduced to england, afternoon tea emerged as a ritual for the upper classes. A brief history of afternoon tea chesterfield palm beach. Taken from a social history of tea by jane pettigrew my favorite book. To celebrate afternoon tea week, here are ten facts about this very british tradition 1. Discover what makes tea the worlds favorite beverage with our interesting tea facts. In 1840, anna, the 7th duchess of bedford, pioneered the idea of afternoon.
Erling hoh has been a correspondent for archaeology and written on chinese history and culture for natural history and others. While catherine of braganza charles ii of englands wife introduced afternoon tea to the court upon her arrival in 1662, popular opinion indicates that it was, in fact, anna maria russell, the duchess of bedford, who truly transformed it into a light midafternoon meal. It also became fashionable to craft the most delicate sandwiches and tiny pastries as accompaniments. In this illustrated introduction liu tong provides a fascinating insight into the ancient culture of chinese tea, the trade, tradition, literature, philosophy and ceremony associated with tea. Breakfasts are large, lunches sketchy, and dinner is not served until 8 oclock, so people are hungry by late afternoon. From the era of downton abbey and the titanic carlevato, penelope m.
Royal tea adds a glass of champagne or sherry to the full tea. Tea high tea co notates an idea of elegancy and regalness when in fact is was. When you have this afternoon tea, you will not only drink, but also eat something. Afternoon tea goes beyond a comforting cup of tea to help you get through the day. Etiquette and history of afternoon tea afternoon to remember. A brief history of afternoon tea henry james there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea. Tea story the history of afternoon tea destination tea.
We have a past duchess of bedford to thank for the inspiration. Although there are scattered references to fashionable ladies drinking a cup of tea mid afternoon. History of high tea history english afternoon tea tea etiquette high tea is often a misnomer. If you enjoyed the history of afternoon tea, i hope you get to experience. While drinking tea as a fashionable event is credited to catharine of braganza, the actual taking of tea in the afternoon developed into a new social event sometime in the late 1830s and early 1840s. Full tea is a complete fourcourse afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, sweets, and a dessert finale. Like afternoon tea itself, there is now a huge revival of the tea dance throughout the uk and ireland and being enjoyed by all ages. Interestingly, scones were not a common feature of early afternoon tea and were only introduced in the twentieth century. For the history buff or cultural explorer in you, read on to find out how afternoon tea began and how tea rituals differ around the globe. How tea parties got their startand how to hold one like a. The history of afternoon tea old town victorian tea. An afternoon tea will typically contain some sandwiches, cakes as well as a scone with jam and clotted cream of course.
The duchess began to invite her friends to tea, and other members of high society started to copy the habit. The origins of afternoon tea can be traced back to the early 1800s, a period when dinner was taken late in the evening, and anna russell, the seventh duchess of bedford. The afternoon tea ceremony has a rich and flavoursome history that is just utterly fascinating. It was a great afternoon tea, so well use it as an example for any afternoon tea you can get in the uk. It is made by soaking the dried leaves or flowers of the plant camellia sinensis in hot water. In celebration of afternoon tea week, weve teamed up with nanny moringa to make this infographic of fun and interesting facts about afternoon tea. They ate breakfast before going out for the day and dinner around 8 pm when they returned from their day. High tea, in britain, at any rate, tends to be on the heavier side. Afternoon tea, that most quintessential of english customs is, perhaps surprisingly, a relatively new tradition. Traditionally, the upper classes would serve a low or afternoon tea around four oclock, just before the fashionable promenade in hyde park. The london ritz book of afternoon tea by helen simpson. It all started in the 1800s when anna, the 7th duchess of bedford who, at the time was a close friend of queen victoria and a prominent figure within london society complained of having that sinking feeling during the late afternoon.
Jane has developed signature teas for wedgwood and trained tea staffs around the world for langham hotels. Its easy to get overwhelmed by the english and their social tea traditions. A history of tea tells the compelling story of the rise of tea in asia and its eventual spread to the west and beyond. Afternoon tea is a truly british custom with a history going back to the 19th century and credit for the tea is given to anna the duchess of bedford. The history and etiquette of afternoon tea huffpost life. In fact, theres so much tea in austens fiction, for instance, that kim wilson thought to write a book on the subject, complete with nineteenthcentury recipes, quotes from the novels, and. Learn about afternoon tea history, from the migration of tea drinking from east to. Afternoon tea is a meal composed of sandwiches usually cut into fingers, scones with. The history and etiquette of afternoon tea sugar and spice and everything nice are what little girls are supposedly made of, and theyre also essential ingredients of a traditional afternoon tea. Tea consumption increased dramatically during the early nineteenth century and it is around this time that anna, the 7th duchess of bedford is said to have complained of having that sinking feeling during the late afternoon.
Traditional afternoon tea consists of a selection of dainty sandwiches including of course thinly sliced cucumber sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream. Although there are scattered references to fashionable ladies drinking a cup of tea midafternoon in the. A victorian afternoon tea guide in country houses of victorian england, the preparation of sandwiches, cakes, biscuits and other recipes for tea was carried out not in the kitchens but in the stillroom, where the maid worked under the direct supervision of the housekeeper. How to do afternoon tea like the victorians english. If youve got favorite afternoon tea book or website suggestions, please share. The history of tea is long and complex, spreading across multiple cultures over the span of thousands of years. Afternoon tea is introduced by anna, wife of the seventh duke of bedford.
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