Afternoon Tea

A Tradition Begins...

Afternoon Tea is a tradition that began in 1840 by one of Queen Victoria’s
ladies-in-waiting, Anna Maria Stanhope, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford.
Due to a long period between meals, the Duchess suffered from “a sinking feeling”
in the afternoon between 3 and 4 o’clock. One afternoon she requested a tray of tea, bread,
butter and cake to be brought to her room.

Gradually she became accustomed to this habit and invited friends to join her in this daily ritual
in her rooms at Belvoir Castle. Within a short period of time this affair, known as ‘Afternoon
Tea’, became a social affair.

This summer practice proved so popular, the Duchess continued it when she returned to
London, sending cards to her friends asking them to join her for “tea and a walking the fields.”
The practice of inviting friends to come for tea in the afternoon was quickly picked up by other
social hostesses.

During this time, the Earl of Sandwich invented the sandwich, enhancing the
overall experience of Afternoon Tea.

Afternoon Tea remains to this day a graceful affair to enjoy in the
company of friends and associates.