#284 The History of Tea in the UK

Speak English Now through mini-stories with teacher Georgiana

Do you like tea? I love trying different kinds, especially on cold days. Today, we’ll talk about the British love for tea. And in a future episode, I’ll show you how to make a British-style cup of tea.

Hi! I’m Georgiana. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. My mission is to help you improve your fluency.

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Ok, let’s start!

Once Upon a Time:

Long ago, in the 1600s, tea debuted in the UK. This fancy beverage didn’t magically appear; it came from Portugal. Catherine of Braganza, married to King Charles II, really liked tea and introduced this interesting new habit to the UK.

Tea for the Elite:

In the early days, tea was rare and expensive, like treasure! People kept their tea in special locked boxes called tea caddies. Back then, only people like the king and queen enjoyed it.

Afternoon Tea Parties:

In the 1700s, tea became more popular, but it was still costly. Then, Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, had a brilliant idea: afternoon tea parties! She invited her friends for tea and snacks in the afternoon, which became a stylish tradition.

The Tea Trade:

The British East India Company played a huge part in making tea famous in the UK. They established trade relations with China and brought boatloads of tea back. There were even big arguments and fights, like the Opium Wars, over tea and other trading.

Tea for Everyone:

In the 1800s, tea became more affordable, and people from all walks of life started drinking it. Tea became a daily treat for everyone, including workers and those with a refined taste.

A Solution to a Big Problem:

In the 1800s, in the UK, many people drank too much alcohol. And it caused a lot of problems. Luckily, some smart people thought tea was a better choice than alcohol. Here’s why:

• Tea was cheaper: Tea cost less than alcohol, so more people could buy it.
• Easy to find: You could find tea in many places. It was easy to buy.
• No harmful effects: Tea didn’t make you sick or misbehave, like alcohol.
• Good for friends: People liked to meet and drink tea together. It was fun and didn’t make you drunk.
• Calming: Tea helped people feel calm and relaxed without alcohol.

While tea did not solve all alcohol problems, it was healthier and cheaper for many.

It went from being an exclusive drink to something everyone loves. And that’s the short story of tea time in the UK! Enjoy your next cup of tea!

In a future episode, I’ll talk about the different types of tea. And I will teach you how

to make a proper cup of tea.