Debunking the Afternoon Tea Myth that Bridgerton Got Wrong
If you're a fan of the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, you may have noticed the characters partaking in a quintessentially British tradition: afternoon tea. However, the show's portrayal of the origins of this tradition is not entirely accurate. In this article, we'll explore the history of afternoon tea and debunk the myth that it was invented during the Regency era. We'll delve into the true origins of this beloved pastime and the ways in which it has evolved over time. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about the customs of high society, this article will provide you with an insightful and informative look into the real history of afternoon tea.
Discover the True Origins of Afternoon Tea
We'll delve into the true origins of this beloved pastime and the ways in which it has evolved over time.
It seems that we are all going a little tea-potty over Bridgerton, but there’s one thing that Bridgerton got wrong about afternoon tea. Afternoon tea hadn’t actually been invented until after the Regency era had ended. After my realization, I had a few tea time questions I wanted to answer:
So what would tea have really been like during the Regency era?
When did tea first come to England?
When was afternoon tea invented?
Was Jane Austen the same time period as Bridgerton?
And regardless of inaccuracies, I have some ideas on how to throw a fab Bridgerton themed afternoon tea party!
If you haven’t seen Bridgerton, I suggest you pop the kettle on and get comfy for some serious Netflix binge-watching! I loved this series despite of it’s historical inaccuracies. I loved the fantasy of the show being based very loosely of Georgian England with lots of modern day twists.
What is Bridgerton Like?
Bridgerton was set in the Regency era, from 1811 to 1820, towards the end of the Georgian era. Bridgerton is a far more exaggerated interpretation of London’s Regency era. With lots of hot love scenes, beautiful bright colourful dresses and instrumental modern day music, Bridgerton is a great way to escape into a fantasy world! If it’s accurate historical facts you are after then Bridgerton is not for you, if it’s scandal, betrayal, steamy scenes and passion you are after then it’s time to pop the kettle on, get some tasty snacks lined up and get ready for hours of fun.
When was Afternoon Tea Invented?
But like I said, Bridgerton isn’t exactly historically accurate because Bridgerton is wrong about afternoon tea! Whilst the show presents us with posh tea and extravagant cakes served on beautiful platters and elegant cake stands with pretty tea cups and saucers, afternoon tea wasn’t invented until the 1840s, that’s 20 years after the end of the Regency era.
It all started with one idea from Anna Maria Russell, the Duchess of Bedford who wanted to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner time. The Duchess of Bedford had the idea to enjoy sandwiches, cakes, pastries and hot cups of tea with her friends. It was a time to relax in a comfy setting and exchange hot gossip with her friends. By the 1880s, afternoon tea became the fashionable past time to participate in. Just like the theme of Bridgerton with the illusive mischief maker Lady Whistledown, women loved to exchange gossip and news.
If you love reading about afternoon tea, you may also love this blog article; Is Afternoon Tea the Same as High Tea
When did Tea First Come to England?
Tea was first brought to England in the 17th century by the East India Company. During the 1650’s, Dutch traders brought tea to England where it was first served as a novelty in London’s coffee houses.
It was Catherine of Braganza, who was the wife of Charles II who introduced the elegance of tea to the English Royal Court around 1662. Catherine of Braganza had grown up drinking tea in Portugal. Tea had been imported into Portugal since 1610 but wasn’t imported to England until around 1650.
Tea slowly became more and more popular over time and the very first tea shop opened in 1706 by Thomas Twining in London’s Strand. The same Twinings tea company that we know and love today in England.
Tea During Regency England
What Would Have Tea Been Really Like During Regency Era England?
Whilst tea drinking was extremely popular amongst the high societies and wealthy population of England, it was some time before the tradition of afternoon tea had started. During regency England, tea drinking would have been very popular but no more popular than coffee or alcoholic drinks at that time. Tea would have been enjoyed but not in a ritual. The rituals and traditions of tea started much later on. We now enjoy tea as part of our daily routine, we enjoy breakfast tea, afternoon tea and even mugs of tea with supper, known as ‘high tea’.
Popular Tea Types During Regency England
During the Regency era in England, which spanned from 1811 to 1820, and is often extended to include the years leading up to and following this period, tea was a popular beverage among the upper and middle classes. Several types of tea were commonly consumed during this time, including:
Black Tea: Black tea, also known as "red tea" in China, was the most commonly consumed type of tea during the Regency era in England. It was typically imported from China and India, and was brewed by steeping the leaves in hot water. Black tea was often served with milk and sugar, and was a staple beverage in the morning and afternoon.
Green Tea: Green tea, also known as "unfermented tea," was another popular type of tea during the Regency era. Green tea was made from leaves that were quickly steamed or pan-fired to prevent oxidation, which helped to retain the green color and delicate flavor of the leaves. Green tea was often considered more expensive and was consumed by the upper classes.
Scented Tea: Scented teas were also popular during the Regency era in England. These teas were flavored with various botanicals such as jasmine, bergamot tea, and rose, which imparted a distinctive aroma and taste to the tea. Scented teas were often considered a luxury and were enjoyed by those who could afford them.
Blended Teas: Blended teas, such as Earl Grey and English Breakfast, were also popular during the Regency era. Earl Grey tea, for example, is a blend of black tea flavored with oil of bergamot, which gives it a distinctive citrusy aroma. English Breakfast tea is a strong black tea blend that was often consumed in the morning as a hearty and robust brew.
Herbal Teas: Herbal teas, made from various dried herbs, flowers, and spices, were also consumed during the Regency era in England. While not technically tea, as they are not made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, herbal teas were enjoyed for their soothing and medicinal properties. Common herbal teas during this time included chamomile, mint, and lemon balm.
Tea was a cherished beverage during the Regency era in England, and its consumption was steeped in social customs and rituals. It was often served in fine china teapots and cups, and afternoon tea gatherings were popular social events among the upper classes.
What Time Period is Jane Austen?
Jane Austen was a writer also during the Regency era. Jane Austen was famous for her love of tea, especially her love of Chinese black tea and her apparent love of dandelion tea too. Jane Austen was best known for writing love stories such as Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Emma. Jane Austen’s work, even though 200 years old is still hugely popular and relatable these days.
Just like Bridgerton, many tea parties are themed on Jane Austen and Regency tea time. However, afternoon tea wasn’t invented until later on. Of course, this doesn’t mean that a Regency era afternoon tea is a bad idea, enjoying a luxurious Georgian afternoon is a wonderful idea! Read on for some planning tips on how to throw a regency tea party.
Tea Time in Regency England
Tea time in Regency England was a cherished tradition, with a variety of teas enjoyed by the upper and middle classes. While the popular image of afternoon tea in Bridgerton may be a myth, the true history of tea during this time reveals a rich and diverse culture of tea consumption. From black and green teas to scented blends and herbal infusions, tea played a significant role in the social customs and rituals of the time, leaving a lasting legacy as a beloved beverage in English history.
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