“Under certain circumstances there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” Henri James

It was a close friend of Queen Victoria’s, Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford with whom we are indebted, for starting the tradition we know and love today called Afternoon Tea. I for one am delighted she did, for where would we be without Tea and Afternoon Tea or High Tea.

It was common during the 1800s in England to have two meals a day- breakfast and dinner. The Duchess found she was quite peckish in the afternoon as the evening meal did not start until 8 or 9 O’clock. As a rule, husbands would often invite male friends to lunch parties to discuss business and politics over a light meal, leaving their wives waiting for the late hour of the evening meal alone.

The Duchess started having a tray of bread with butter, cakes and biscuits and a cup of Darjeeling tea around four in the afternoon. Friends began to be invited to join her in her dressing room in Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire, after tea they would enjoy a walk or stroll in the summer afternoon across the fields.

When in London the Duchess continued this tradition and soon her friend Queen Victoria, fell in love with the idea. She started requesting an afternoon “cuppa” with light cake and buttercream topped with fresh raspberries, which we know today as Victoria Sponge.

“Thank God for tea! What would the world do without tea? how did it exist? I am glad I was not born before tea.” 
Sydney Smith

This new tradition of afternoon tea was born within the houses of the wealthy aristocrats of the day and once summer came they would ‘take tea’ outside in their beautiful gardens. When the ladies began to enjoy the afternoon tea ritual outside the lords and men of the house became part of this fabulous new activity.

Today, we would most likely call it High Tea, but during the 1800’s High Tea was a different meal entirely. The term High Tea originated after the Industrial Revolution when workers as well as farm labourers were returning home after a hard day and needed sustenance. It combined the evening meal and afternoon tea as a working-class meal. It consists of a meat dish, bread and butter and cups of tea sitting at a high table.

On the other hand, Afternoon Tea was quite a lavish ceremony enjoyed lolling about in comfortable chairs and sofas often in a reception room or lounge area and eaten at a low table (Low Tea) a picturesque setting in the garden. It was all about status and letting the guests know or anyone passing by, that they could afford a sumptuous, extravagant afternoon tea. Families would have their portraits painted sitting for tea in the garden with an exquisite array of teas, fine china and tableware so that people would recognise their extreme wealth.

Time has moved on and now in the 21st century, there is a resurgence in High Tea with a completely different meaning. High Tea today, is a lavish afternoon tea, often with a glass of Champagne and is a highly popular outing with friends to a Five Star Hotel or Grand Heritage Estate or restaurant for an elaborate afternoon tea. It is, however, not about status but fun, and enjoyment, an exceedingly pleasurable way to catch up with friends, a group of girlfriends or family for a treat or special occasion. See more in High Tea and High Tea in Sydney.

Afternoon tea continued to be popular into the 1920s and beyond. The humble beginnings of a quick cup of tea and a few biscuits and cakes evolved into a massive highly fashionable event hosted by the elite upper-class socialites with all the rules of etiquette that went with it.

Household servants would be responsible for serving dainty sandwiches, cakes and petit fours with the best quality tea available. The guest list rose from a handful of ladies to larger events called Tea receptions with two hundred guests and ran into the late afternoon evening. Tables were set with crisp white linens and tea was served inexpensive silver tea sets and teapots—elegant fine china and silver flatware with dainty patterned teacups.
Eventually, England’s middle class began to enjoy afternoon tea and could be seen out having a stroll in the neighbourhood after tea and biscuits, cake and savouries. We have come a long way since the early days of Victorian England and Afternoon Tea. Why not host your next party as a High Tea perfect for a baby shower, pre Wedding catch-up Engagement or Birthday either at home or in a beautiful venue? Enjoy.

All Content Di Baker 2020

Images Wikimedia Unsplash, Twinings UK, High Tea Society