We adore afternoon tea, and it tastes even better when all of the delicious foods and drinks that may you need appear on your doorstep as a delightful gift. Since we love this British tradition so fondly, we've decided to share with you our little 'sip through time', as we uncover the history of the afternoon tea.
afternoon tea - a delightful Victorian custom
While tea has been a popular beverage since the 1600's - thanks in part to Charles II and his wife - the use of the word 'tea' to refer to a light meal became widespread during the Victorian era.
According to The British Museum, amongst many other sources, the afternoon tea is credited to a Duchess, who was also one of Queen Victoria's ladies in waiting. Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, popularised the concept of having a light meal in the mid-late afternoon, after it was reported she had a "sinking feeling" during this time of day. She requested a mixture of tea, bread, butter and some cake - and by doing so, the origins of the afternoon tea began...
the need for a mid-afternoon snack
Meal times have remained consistent for many years, with an early morning meal to break the fast of not eating during the night. Then, a main meal around midday, commonly called lunch, of course. Dinner was then served around 5pm-7pm. However, during the Victorian time, with the rise of industrialisation, for the wealthy, dinner time started to become later. It became common for an evening meal to be served as late as 9pm.
Therefore, it is unsurprising that the Duchess and similar ladies in her company were beginning to feel very hungry in the late afternoon. Hence, the rise of this new popular option to have something delicious to enjoy at around 4-6pm.
an excuse for a social gathering
The Duchess did not keep this new ritual to herself. As was often the case with Victorian society, something like this began a fashion trend. Firstly, the Duchess began inviting friends to join her, so the afternoon tea began the main focus for small social gatherings.
As the trend grew across the upper class, other society ladies followed suit, transforming the simple snack to serve with guests, into an elaborate affair.
time to bring out the best china
In the 19th Century, any excuse to show off your wealth and property was quickly going to become popular. An afternoon tea was a wonderful way to use and to show off your very best china. In addition, it was common not to just have one type of tea, but a whole range, to elevate your social standing, as tea was still relatively expensive at this time. The more extravagant the pastries, or the more delicate the finger sandwiches, the better the afternoon tea.
The was also a ritual developed called "low tea" which was enjoyed in the drawing room, where low tables and comfortable chairs were used to gather and to eat your afternoon tea, rather than a formal dining table.
going out for afternoon tea
Whilst the Duchess of Bedford started the afternoon tea trend in the grand homes across Victorian Britain in the 1840's, it was not long at all before decedant hotels also decided to accommodate this new meal time.
It was The Langham, Europe's first 'Grand Hotel' that offered afternoon tea from the moment they opened in 1865. To this day, going to a posh hotel for afternoon tea featuring exquisite cakes, pastries and more remains a popular birthday outing or celebration of a special occasion. Most famously, afternoon tea at The Ritz in London still attracts 400 visitors a year, to their very special Palm Court room.
changes throughout the history of afternoon tea
In fact, very little has changed with regards to the contents of what makes up an afternoon tea. Even from the very beginning, delicate finger sandwiches were the key savoury element, including cucumber sandwiches, of course. Then, a mixture of pastries and cakes, followed by the famous scones, with jam and clotted cream - the order of which has long, and continues to be, much debated across the Devon and Cornwall border. Read more about the great cream tea debate in our dedicated blog:
As for drinks served with an afternoon tea, of course tea has always been a staple. However, as mentioned above, a selection of teas, not just one, was very common. In addition, an alcoholic drink was not unheard of even in Victorian times. Rather than Champagne or Prosecco, which is very common as part of a sparkling Afternoon Tea today, a glass of red wine, namely Claret, or Sherry, was served instead.
gift an afternoon tea experience, delivered to their door
The Luxury Cream Tea Gift Hamper offers a wonderful selection of items that provides everything you need for the perfect cream tea, and much of the makings of a luxurious afternoon tea, too. There are fresh scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream to enjoy. Plus, you'll find the finest English Tea, alongside cakes, flapjacks and biscuits - all waiting to be sliced in to bite size pieces. Simply add some sandwiches and serve!
For a sparkling afternoon tea hamper, look no further than our Luxury Afternoon Tea Hamper with Prosecco. The 7th Duchess of Bedford would have been truly delighted to receive this gorgeous wicker basket, featuring cakes, scones and all the trimmings. The Italian Prosecco is truly divine. Plus, there is handmade fudge inside, for a little extra sweet treat.
history of the afternoon tea uncovered
We hope you've enjoyed our step back in time to discover the history of afternoon tea and its associated traditions. We love that it is an experience we can still enjoy today, whether at a luxurious hotel, a sweet local garden centre or in the comfort of your home. For more afternoon tea hampers and gift inspiration, do explore our full range:
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