The History of Afternoon Tea
To understand the origin of Afternoon Tea we need to look back to life in Britain in the 1840’s. At that time it was usual for people to eat only two meals a day, a hearty breakfast and dinner, which could be taken as late as 8 o’clock.
It is Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, who is credited for asking for tea, buttered bread and cake be brought to her in the afternoon as she experienced a ‘sinking feeling’, and quite frankly who can blame her with such a long period between meals. She soon began sharing this delight her friends, sending cards asking them to joining her for “tea and a walking in fields”, no doubt to catch up on the latest of high society news. It was not long before other social hostesses took up this pause for tea and a light meal, and so afternoon tea became a fashionable social event.
Originally published at www.vintagetea.com.au.
