The Story of Tea in Great Britain

Tea arrives in Great Britain

In 1597 tea was first mentioned in English culture. At that time special ships, called clippers,

carried tea from China to Britain.

In 1657 Caraway's Coffee House in London was the first place in Britain to advertise tea. The advertisements said that tea was an amazing medicine to help all illnesses. Coffee houses became men's clubs, so women did not go there.

Anna, the 17th Duchess of Bedford

• Anna was a lifelong friend of Queen Victoria.

• Anna often had tea in her room in the afternoon with some food.

• She invited friends for a cup of tea at 5 o’clock and it soon became a very popular tradition among the upper classes.

In the 18th century tea was very expensive. The way you served tea and the things you used to serve

it, showed your position in society.

TEA HOUSES AND TEA DANCESIn 1717 Thomas Twining opened his first tea house where

women could go to buy tea in London.

There were two types of tea-drinking: “Low tea” and “High tea”.

The royalty and the upper classes had “low tea” because they sat at low tables. “Low tea” usually consisted of hot scones, cakes, cookies, sweets, light sandwiches and sometimes seasonal fruits.“High tea” was for workers and it was a light meal with meat or cheese.

In the 18th century there were big tea gardens. As well as tea there was dancing and entertainment. The tea gardens were a good place to be together with all the family.In 1864 the manager of a bread company opened the first 'tea room' selling tea and cakes. It was very popular with women of all ages.

The tea table was covered with a pretty table cloth with matching napkins.There was a china tea service, teaspoons, a lemon dish and fork, some milk, sugar and a vase of flowers.Tea with milk is called “English tea”.

and you can have tea at any time of the day, not just in the afternoon!

In many cities afternoon tea is becoming popular again with a large choice of 'tea menus',

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