History
It's the seventh Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Russell, whom we have to thank for the invention of afternoon tea, sometime around 1840.
THE HISTORY OF HIGH TEA
Tea - from the Chinese ‘te’
Originally a royalty drink, nowadays a staple in houses of every class.
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The history of Britain and tea begins in the 1600s with Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese wife of King Charles II, who used to drink the hot beverage in Portugal.
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However, the tradition of the ‘Victorian afternoon tea’ was ideated by Anna Maria Russell, the Duchess of Bedford, one of Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting.
The Duchess claimed that the delayed evening meal - due to the Industrial Revolution - left her with ‘sinking feeling’, which prompted her to ask for some bread and cake and tea to be brought in the late afternoon.
Coffee and tea were introduced to England as social beverages at approximately the same time.
Women, legally excluded from coffee houses, copied court society, and tea was born as women’s drink - through tea gardens, tea parties in the afternoon and on a lady’s visiting days.
Though tea culture would develop over the next two hundred years, the formal tea party was born out of the specific needs of Victorian society.
PROPER ETIQUETTE
Propriety was everything, and nothing was more proper than an English cup of tea.
Etiquette was a very important part of the tea parties for the royals and the upper class. Here are a few tea party etiquette tips to remember.
Purse
After sitting down, place your purse either on your lap or behind you against the chair's back.
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Spoon
When stirring your tea, be careful not to clink your spoon against the cup. When no longer using the spoon place it on the saucer behind the teacup and to the right of the handle.
Napkin
Unfold the napkin and make sure to set it on your lap. When leaving the table place the napkin on your chair.
Tea addictives
Sugar is added in your teacup first, then thinly sliced lemon. If you like to have milk in your tea, add it after the tea is poured. Never use milk and lemon together.
Saucer
When you are not drinking tea, place the cup on the saucer.
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Eating
Be sure to take small bites, and properly chew and swallow before participating in the conversation.
Since it is hot the tea is not meant to wash the food down.
Drinking
Take small, quiet sips of your tea. Do not blow on the tea if it is too hot.
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Teacup
When stirring your tea, be careful not to clink your spoon against the cup. When no longer using the spoon place it on the saucer behind the teacup and to the right of the handle.
Utensils
It is fine to eat most of the foods with your fingers; however, use a fork when trying to eat messy foods.