The History of High Tea

Contrary to common belief, High Tea was a necessity for the poor working class of Britain. Today, when we think of High Tea, usually it is a grand affair, with formal settings, tea accessories and fine equipage. Read about all the different types of teatimes and how they began. 

The poor, working class could only afford 1 meal per day. 

The poor, working class of England could only afford 1 good solid meal a day. As this meal was usually lunch, when the tired, hard workers returned home in the evenings they were understandably hungry. 

A pot of Tea at 6pm and a few little leftover scraps of whatever they could find was the beginnings of High Tea. These tiny, simple 'meals' were to just to tide them over until the next day. The leftovers that they ate were often put away from lunch  time and brought home for later. Sausages, bread and cheese were the most common scraps. 

High Tea was created by the poor, working class. 

As England and its' citizens became more wealthy, with more people termed as 'middle class', High Tea became a much more substantial meal at 6pm. Cooked eggs, mashed potatoes and fish etc; were added to the original pot of tea. Today, dinner has replaced High Tea, with cups of tea still being drunk after the evening dinner meal. 

How Afternoon Tea began 

The Duchess of Bedford, Anna, created afternoon teatime. With English dinners typically at 7pm, she found herself feeling faint in the afternoons. Anna started sipping tea each afternoon to tide her over. 

Anna had her servants bring her a few little bites of food to eat as she sipped her tea. Her Aristocratic girlfriends soon started dropping by at 'teatime' and they too were served 'tea and light snacks'. This quickly became a ritual that Anna and her friends indulged in every afternoon. 

Lower classes heard about this wonderful afternoon tea that the Aristocracy were enjoying and the idea spread to all who enjoy tea. Afternoon Tea is soon a ritual enjoyed by everyone in Britain, regardless of class. 

Morning Tea and Tea Breaks
   
The whole concept of having a break during the day to partake in tea began some 250 years ago. Seen by some as highly controversial, it all started with an employer serving tea during the morning to his employees that had started work as early as 5 or 6am. Many employers were against this break for tea as they considered that their employees would become lazier by indulging in this practice.

During World War 1 employers gave their workers cups of tea during the daytime and found to their disbelief, that in fact these cups of tea increased their employees productivity and general stamina. This tea consumption during working hours continued after the war as more businesses took up the initiative to introduce this tea break in their own workplaces.

Today, worldwide, it is quite common for employees to stop work for a tea or coffee break during the day and they are often taken for granted or required by Union rules in particular industries. In Australia we refer to these tea breaks, whilst at work, as morning tea or afternoon tea. 
 
Teatime today
   
High Tea today can be as casual or as formal as you like. Associated mainly with the British, many European countries today still take tea in the late afternoon. Afternoon Tea can range from 'The Big Formal Affair' with lots of people, to a small intimate gathering of 2 or 3 good friends.

All sorts of delicious delicacies are served at various afternoon teas, ranging from scones, cakes, sandwiches, hot dishes, savouries and pastries. A selection of sweet and/or savoury treats, a fresh pot of tea, good friends and good conversation is all that is needed for a delightful afternoon tea. 

High Society

It would seem that little has changed from the 18th Century to now. In London, in the 1800's, Society ladies would meet in the afternoons for gossip and tea. Teashops and Coffee shops became popular places for social meetings with friends.

Tea Etiquette

Did you know that at some Formal Afternoon Teas, a guest is chosen by the host to act as a 'tea-pourer'. This is considered an honour and their role is to serve the tea to fellow guests.

Low Tea

Low Tea was the original term given to the afternoon teas created by Anna, Duchess of Bedford. Low tea was served mid-afternoon to the Aristocrats.

Formal Tea

The Formal British Tea evolved from a Low Tea. Very Formal Teas today are often referred to as High Tea, in stark contrast to their humble beginnings.