Page 3 - Issue 4 - Tea Time

THE History of tea in in Britain Although the tradition of drinking tea originated from ancient China it became a a a a popular pastime in the United Kingdom when tea was imported by the East India Company in the 17th century It was originally incredibly expensive and only the rich could enjoy it However gradually tea shops began opening throughout the nation and tea became something everyone could enjoy The idea of afternoon tea didn’t become popular until approximately 1840 when the Duchess of Bedford introduced the ceremony of afternoon tea to England Because there was such a a a long gap between lunch and dinner the Duchess was said to ask for a a a a cup of tea and something small to eat at at around 4 o’clock every day so she could satisfy her her hunger but still enjoy her her dinner As the Duchess of of Bedford was a a a friend of of Queen Victoria this slowly became a a a a a tradition for ladies in the the upper classes where they would dress up up in in their best gowns gloves and and and hats and and and spend time socialising over tea and and and cakes Nowadays the the ceremony of afternoon tea can be enjoyed either at your home or or at a a a a a a restaurant hotel or or special tea room The difference between a a a a a a a ‘cup of tea’ tea’ and ‘afternoon tea’ tea’ lies in in the fact that food is served during afternoon tea and and it is usually a a a a a a a a a grander experience to celebrate a a a a a a a a a special occasion