Afternoon tea, the most typical of English customs, is, perhaps surprisingly, a relatively new tradition. The custom of drinking tea became popular in England during the 1660s thanks to King Charles Ⅱ and his wife, and it was not until the mid-19th century that the concept of “afternoon tea” first appeared.
Afternoon tea was introduced by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, in the year 1840. At that time lunch was taken early but the evening meal was served fashionably late at eight o'clock, leaving a long period of time between the two meals. The Duchess would become hungry in the afternoon, so she asked that tea and cake be brought to her room around four o'clock. This became a habit of hers and later she began inviting friends to join her.
This palace tea party was such a success that it soon spread to London and other places in UK as a fashionable social event. During the 1880’s, upper-class women would dress up for their afternoon tea, also known as “low tea” because tea was taken while seating in low, comfortable chairs or sofas.
While Low Tea was largely a game for the upper class, “high tea” was a necessary meal for working class families. During the second half of the Victorian Period, working families would return home late tired and exhausted. As the most important meal of the day, the table would be set with meats, bread, butter, cheese and of course, a pot of good, strong tea to lift their spirits. Because it was eaten at a high, dining table, it was called “high” tea.
To experience the best of the afternoon tea tradition, treat yourself with a trip to one of London’s finest hotels. There are also a wide selection of old-fashioned tearooms offering afternoon tea experience.
We provide very British afternoon tea experience trips during your stay in London. Just tell your tour guide when you want to taste the culture and we will arrange everything for you with a very reasonable charge. It’ll be a once in a lifetime experience. Don’t miss it.
12. Why did the Duchess of Bedford need afternoon tea?
A.It’s a fashionable palace social event. | B.The evening meal was too late for her. |
C.It’s a tradition from King Charles Ⅱ. | D.She wanted to spread tea culture in UK. |
13. What do we know about high tea?
A.It was enjoyed by the upper class. | B.It was started by Queen Victoria. |
C.It was an occasional social activity. | D.It was the main meal of the day. |
14. What was the reason for the different names of high tea and low tea?
A.Different surroundings to have tea. | B.Different time to have tea. |
C.Different social classes to have tea. | D.Different types of tea. |
15. What’s the purpose of this passage?
A.To explain the origin of afternoon tea. | B.To honor the tradition of drinking tea. |
C.To advertise for tea experience trips. | D.To introduce two afternoon tea types. |