The
History of High Tea
Contrary to common
belief, High Tea was a neccessity 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 tea equipage.
High
Tea began . . .
The poor, working class
of England could only afford 1
good solid meal a day.
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.
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.
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. |
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