April 21st, National Tea Day, is fast approaching! This isn’t just about tea, but a centuries-old tradition steeped in history and elegance. Tea culture traces back to the 17th century when Catherine of Braganza, wife of Charles II, brought it over to England as part of her dowry.
It wasn't actually until the 19th century that tea truly became its own social pillar. Anna Marie Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, popularized the concept of afternoon tea: a light meal served between lunch and dinner. Her gatherings quickly became the talk of high society, establishing afternoon tea as a fashionable pastime for the upper class.
Queen Victoria also elevated afternoon tea to an art form with her elaborate tea parties. These gatherings exuded elegance and refinement, inspiring future generations to embrace the classy ritual.
Today, the tradition lives on with tea fans around the world indulging in the rituals of Cream Tea and Afternoon Tea.
Cream Tea, the focus at Mrs. Bakewell’s, originated from the southwest of England. Fun fact: it was first recorded to be served at Tavistock Abbey in the 11th century—consisting of bread, cream, and jam. It quickly spread to Cornwall, where the Cornish split was invented—a sweet bread with jam and cream. Since then, traditional cream tea has evolved into freshly baked scones, strawberry jam, and clotted cream—all served with a pot of freshly brewed tea.
Mrs. Bakewell's is proud to be a part of this rich tradition. This April 21st, celebrate National Tea Day with your own tea-time tradition.
Order The Orginal Cream Tea Box now!
2 comments
Katrina, you’ve just made our day! Thank you so much for your kind words!
I love that you all are helping raise “afternoon tea awareness” here in America. As a fellow Anglophile I wish we had as many afternoon tea opportunities as they do in England. Thank you for a lovely post.