The rich history of afternoon tea dates back to the 19th century. Drinking tea was popularized in England during the 1660s by King Charles II and his wife. However, the concept of afternoon tea was not introduced until the mid-1880s. This quintessential British tradition can be enjoyed at tea rooms across the UK and around the world or even at home.
Enjoying afternoon tea at home or visiting tea rooms is one of my favourite things to do. So, let’s learn more about how this tea experience started.
Origins of Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea dates back to the Victorian era. The concept of afternoon tea was introduced in 1840. It started as a way to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner.
During this time, lunch was typically served at noon, and dinner was served around 8 pm. As a result, people often became hungry in the late afternoon (between 4pm and 5pm) and needed a small snack to tide them over until dinner.
Afternoon tea was the perfect solution! Unlike High tea, something it is often confused with, it was not a heavy meal.
Anna, the Duchess of Bedford
Anna, the Duchess of Bedford (1783-1857), is credited with popularizing the tradition of afternoon tea. She was a close friend of Queen Victoria and often visited her at Windsor Castle.
Anna found that she became hungry in the late afternoon, between her lunch time and dinner. So, she requested that a tray of tea, bread and butter be brought to her room.
This became a habit and she began inviting friends to join her, serving a selection of sandwiches, cakes, and pastries around 4pm. The tradition of afternoon tea was born!
Anna’s afternoon tea parties quickly became popular among the upper class. So much so that other women began hosting their own tea parties.
Afternoon tea became a way for people to socialize and show off their wealth and status. Guests would dress in long gowns with fascinators, making it a fashionable event.
By the end of the 19th century, afternoon tea had become an important social gathering throughout Britain.
Afternoon Tea Around the World
Today, afternoon tea remains an important part of British culture and is enjoyed by people all over the world. It is often served in tea rooms, hotels, bed and breakfasts, cafes and more. However, it can be served earlier in the afternoon instead of late.
The elegant experience typically includes a selection of finger sandwiches or other savoury items, scones with cream and jam, and a variety of sweets and pastries. Of course, everything is accompanied by a pot of tea.
While the tradition has evolved over time, the essence of afternoon tea remains the same – a time to relax and indulge in a delicious treat with great company.
Afternoon Tea Recipes
Visit the links below to be directed to recipes on this blog and others that are great for afternoon tea. If you would like more, check out The Afternoon Tea Guide eBook.
Savouries
Scones
Sweets
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is credited with the creation of afternoon tea?
The creation of afternoon tea is often credited to Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford.
What are the traditional components of an afternoon tea menu?
An afternoon tea menu consists of 3 courses and tea. First, there is a savoury course which traditionally features tea sandwiches. Scones with clotted cream and jam and a sweet course complete the menu. Learn more about the proper order of these courses here.
What are some etiquette rules associated with afternoon tea?
Dress appropriately, pinkies down, sip don’t gulp and no dunking are just a few traditional afternoon tea etiquette rules one can follow. Read more here.
I loved reading your post about the history of afternoon tea. It was very insightful, with lots of history in just this one post. I am so glad to have found your blog.
I also run a tea blog called Tea Jubilee. I’ll link to it below if you want to check out my site.
http://Www.teajubilee.com