Independent Piece

Britain is still a nation of tea drinkers according to a recent survey conducted by Travel Lodge.

Although, tea drinking as a custom dates back to the third millennium, it did not become popular in Britain until the mid 17th century.

Over 78 million cups of tea is brewed everyday across the United Kingdom.

It was the Dutch, who first brought tea to Europe in 1610. But, it wasn’t until 1658 that the first tea advert appeared in a British newspaper.

Tea is a drink loved by every age group. A third of 18-24 year olds, said that tea helps them to unwind.

A fifth of adults carry their favourite tea bags around with them.

Fifty-three per cent of Brits need a cup tea to brighten up their mornings.

British tea is usually, brewed in a China tea pot, but the survey suggests this could become obsolete.

Only 16% of people prepare tea in a traditional tea pot. With eight out of 10 complaining they do not have the time or patience to make tea in a teapot.

40% of adults just dip their teabags into hot water for only a minute.

When tea became popular in Great Britain, there was an urgent need for good handles, to suit the nation’s needs.

This lead to a growth in the pottery and porcelain industry, and the prosperity of modern companies including Wedgwood, Spode and Royal Dalton.

The time old tradition of the-British tea break-is alive and well. Afternoon tea is said to have come from one person.

Anna 7th Duchess of Bedford.

She launched the idea, in the early 1800s’. It was designed to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner, which in some cases might not be served until 8pm.

Many British companies still observe the custom of the tea break, with the most popular times being between 10am to 3pm.

By 1700 over 500 coffee houses sold tea. The first coffee house merchant to offer tea, was Thomas Garway, who owned an establishment in Exchange Alley.

Tea became the favourite drink of all classes by 1750, and that continues to this day.

63 per cent of Brits enjoy a cup of tea, after a long day at work.

The upper classes have tried to control the growth of tea for centuries.

King Charles II introduced in 1676 an act, which taxed tea, and required coffee house operators to apply for a license.

By the middle of the 18th century, the duty on tea had reached a staggering 119%.

The heavy taxation lead to a new trade of tea smuggling.

Even smuggled tea was expensive, and therefore, very profitable. 

Many smugglers added other substances such as, Willow, Licorice and Sloe leaves.

Used tea leaves were also redried and added to fresh leaves.

A pound of the cheapest tea cost about one-third of a skilled workers wages.

In 1784 William Pitt junior introduced the Communication act, which lowered the tax on tea to 12.5%.

Which, ended the smuggling trade. 

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