How Britain Became a Nation of Tea Drinkers

*There are more varieties of tea on offer than ever before.* *Black teas, like the classic English Breakfast, are the favourite – but others, like Chai, Darjeeling, and Lapsang Souchong, are still widely enjoyed.*

It might be difficult for a British person today to think of an activity more quintessentially British than a cup of tea. Whether we're about to sit down in front of the television, pause midway through a bout of DIY, or have a serious conversation with a relative, the first item on the agenda is often to put the kettle on. Tea is even cited by mental health charities as being a catalyst for vital conversation.

But exactly where did the British fascination with tea come from? While it might seem like a longstanding tradition, this beverage is actually quite a recent introduction to these isles.

*British rule in India helped to prompt the rise of tea drinking in the U.K.*

The Introduction of Tea to Britain

Tea is a staple in India and China, and so it's probably unsurprisingly that British rule of the former is what helped to prompt tea being imported back home.

Catherine of Braganza, wife of Charles II, is widely credited with introducing tea drinking to the UK. This was revolutionary: what the Queen does, the rest of the nobility soon imitates.

The British East India Company had played a massive role in exporting tea around the world, and soon the economics allowed for it to be enjoyed, not just by a handful of wealthy people, but by everyone.

*Tea shops are still extremely popular today.*

The Rise of Tea Culture in Britain

By the 19th century, tea was available to just about everyone. Tea shops began to appear on high streets in major cities, where people could gather for a cup of the stuff and a chat. During this period, the temperance movement was becoming more influential, which means that alcohol consumption was declining.

*The Duchess of Bedford, Anna Russell, invented the practice of Afternoon Tea in the 19th century.*

The Industrial Revolution also forced longer hours on working people, which meant the need for an afternoon pick-me-up became still more pressing. In the middle of the 19th century, the Duchess of Bedford, Anna Russell, invented the practice of Afternoon Tea by ordering that food and refreshments be brought to her private rooms. Before long, she had invited friends to join her, and another British institution was born.

The Impact of Tea on British Society

Nowadays, there are more varieties of tea on offer than ever before. Black teas, like the classic English Breakfast, are the favourite – but others, like Chai, Darjeeling, and Lapsang Souchong, are still widely enjoyed.

If it’s true that the food and drink we consume has a major impact on society, then few drinks can hope to rival tea. The afternoon cuppa is a source of nostalgia and comfort, and helps us to feel that, somehow, everything will be all right – even if the roots of this practice don’t stretch too far back into history.