Tea in Britain
Tea is famously a part of British culture. But how and why?
Find out all about British tea culture below!
How did tea come to Britain?
Tea, of course, originally comes from Asia. The earliest tea drinkers were probably people from China, and areas nearby. In fact, tea has been drunk in China for at least 2500 years, and probably much longer!
So, when did tea come to Britain?
Tea first came to the UK in the 17th century, around 1615. By this time, European traders reached Asia, and they began to bring a lot of materials back to Europe - including silk, spices, and tea.
At first, tea was a luxury, and drunk only by rich and powerful people. By the 19th century, however, Britain had begun to grow and import large amounts of tea from India, which it controlled. The drink became very popular, and was drunk by people all over Britain.
In fact, tea was so popular that Britain started to lose money buying it! Demand for tea, and taxes on tea, were a major reason for the American Revolution, and the Opium wars with China.
So, when did tea come to Britain?
Tea first came to the UK in the 17th century, around 1615. By this time, European traders reached Asia, and they began to bring a lot of materials back to Europe - including silk, spices, and tea.
At first, tea was a luxury, and drunk only by rich and powerful people. By the 19th century, however, Britain had begun to grow and import large amounts of tea from India, which it controlled. The drink became very popular, and was drunk by people all over Britain.
In fact, tea was so popular that Britain started to lose money buying it! Demand for tea, and taxes on tea, were a major reason for the American Revolution, and the Opium wars with China.
Tea in Britain
The people of the UK are the 4th largest drinkers of tea in the world, after Turkey, Ireland, and Iran. Tea is drunk by many people from morning to evening.
Though you can find may kinds of tea, such as oolong and green tea, in Britain, the most common type of tea is black tea. Black teas such as Assam, Ceylon, and Earl Grey are very popular.
Famously, in the UK there is a tradition called Afternoon Tea.
Though you can find may kinds of tea, such as oolong and green tea, in Britain, the most common type of tea is black tea. Black teas such as Assam, Ceylon, and Earl Grey are very popular.
Famously, in the UK there is a tradition called Afternoon Tea.
What is Afternoon Tea?
Afternoon Tea at British Hills
Afternoon tea is a tradition that started around 1840. Afternoon tea is a light afternoon snack, usually of tea and small sandwiches, scones, or cake.
Afternoon tea began as a custom the upper class in Britain - the aristocrats, rich and powerful people. It was very common for upper class ladies. During the time of Queen Victoria, afternoon tea became a very common event across Britain.
Today, afternoon tea is not a daily event. Most people only do afternoon tea occasionally, for special occasions. There are many tea rooms across the UK where you can have a delicious afternoon tea!
Afternoon tea began as a custom the upper class in Britain - the aristocrats, rich and powerful people. It was very common for upper class ladies. During the time of Queen Victoria, afternoon tea became a very common event across Britain.
Today, afternoon tea is not a daily event. Most people only do afternoon tea occasionally, for special occasions. There are many tea rooms across the UK where you can have a delicious afternoon tea!
Scones
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Scones are an important part of modern afternoon tea. To learn more about scones at British Hills, click on the image to the right! |
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Worksheet:
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