• Home
  • Audio/Podcasts
  • Austensites
  • AV/E-Texts
  • History
  • JA Novels & Bio
  • Links
  • Original Sources/19th C. Texts
  • Social Customs During the Regency
  • Teacher/Student
  • Writer/Literature Resources

Jane Austen's World

This Jane Austen blog brings Jane Austen, her novels, and the Regency Period alive through food, dress, social customs, and other 19th C. historical details related to this topic.

Feeds:
Posts
Comments
« Miss Emma Woodhouse and Lady Emma Hamilton: Two Beautiful Emmas
Two Audio Broadcasts Discuss Jane Austen’s Eternal Appeal »

Tea in the Regency Era

December 9, 2007 by Vic

The old adage that if one must ask for the price of an item, one most likely cannot afford it probably holds true for the lovely furniture for sale in Chappell & McCullar, a fine antique shop. I found several pieces of interest on their website, including a pair of Regency ebonized and parcel-gilt open arm chairs, a lush Regency giltwood and ebonized mirror c. 1820, and this charming rosewood tea caddy. But, ahem, there was no price affixed, and one must take the additional step of contacting the owner to inquire about its cost.Tea was such a precious commodity after its introduction in England during the mid 17th century, that servants were never entrusted with handling the loose leaves. Green and black tea leaves were imported in large chests, from which the loose leaves were measured. The tea was then stored in the customer’s caddy, or cannister, which came with a lock and key to prevent pilfering. According to Miller’s Antique Encyclopedia, caddy is a word derived from ‘kati’, a Malay standard weight of tea.By 1800, the custom of drinking tea in England was almost 150 years old. The first written record on English shores was in Samuel Pepys’ dairy, in an entry written on September 25, 1660, in which he wrote:

To the office, where Sir W Batten, Collonel Slingsby, and I sat a while; … And afterwards did send for a Cupp of Tee (a China drink) of which I never had drank before) and went away.

The brew’s popularity soared quickly. Overseas trade in the East Indies flourished, and missionaries in China wrote home about tea’s healing powers. It was widely thought that tea could treat gout, as well as restore one’s mental powers. The brew was relatively safe in an era of contaminated water, since the hot beverage required that water be boiled first.In 1717 Thomas Twining turned his coffee house into a tea shop, and in 1784, Richard Twining, chairman of the tea dealers’ guild, persuaded the government to reduce the import tax on tea, making it much more affordable. By the 1800’s tea was widely drunk by the middle classes. One can imagine that in an era when gin was cheap and led to the ruination of the lower classes, drinking tea was regarded a more wholesome activity.However, tea remained expensive. The British East India Company, which held the monopoly on importing tea until 1834, held prices artificially high for centuries. In addition, the government kept raising taxes on tea in order to finance England’s expensive wars. Smuggling tea became a lucrative business, and shopkeepers and individuals were not averse to purchasing tea leaves on the black market. Be that as it may, by Jane Austen’s day, the drinking of tea had become a regular occurrence, both at home and in public. In a letter to Cassandra, Jane Austen writes of drinking tea at the Public Assembly Rooms in Bath:

Before tea it was rather a dull affair; but then the before tea did not last long, for there was only one dance, danced by four couple. Think of four couple, surrounded by about an hundred people, dancing in the Upper Rooms at Bath. – Jane Austen, May 12, 1801

Although tea was served at home by the hostess, who held the key to the caddy, the elaborate ceremony of afternoon tea, or the custom of serving tea with cakes, scones, and crumpets to stave off hunger pangs before dinner, was not invented until 1840 by the 7th Duchess of Bedford.Interesting tea facts:

  • “Taking tea” is a vulgar expression. Drinking tea is considered the proper phrase.
  • High tea consisted of a full, dinner meal for the common people. Tea was still served, but there would also be meats, fish or eggs, cheese, bread and butter, and cake. It was more of a man’s meal, than a ladies social diversion.

Read more about the fascinating history of tea and tea caddies at these sites:

  • On the Tea Table: The Georgian Index
  • Antique boxes in English Society: Tea Caddies and Tea
  • Miller’s Antiques Encyclopedia
  • The Blissborne Tea Library

Technorati Tags: Tea, History of Tea, Tea in the Regency Era, Jane Austen, British East India Company, Afternoon Tea

Share with others:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

Posted in History, jane austen, Regency Drink, Tea in the Regency era | Tagged Drinking tea, Tea in the Regency era | 13 Comments

13 Responses

  1. on December 14, 2007 at 15:21 MissDaisyAnne

    Excellent post, I love tea, usually about 4 pm, with sugar and milk please.


  2. on April 30, 2008 at 02:00 Drinking Tea, Wine, and Other Spirits in Jane Austen’s Day « Jane Austen’s World

    […] Tea in the Regency Era […]


  3. on July 7, 2008 at 00:23 SHERRY SUBLETT REGAN

    DOES ANYONE KNOW THE LIGHT-GREEN CHINA PATTERN THAT WAS USED BY THE BENNETT FAMILY IN THE MASTERPIECE SERIES OF “PRIDE AND PREJUDICE?”
    WARMEST AND KINDEST REGARDS,
    SHERRY


  4. on July 26, 2008 at 21:15 Marcia Larson

    I am also trying to identify the china pattern used by the Bennett family in the 1995 BBC production of Pride and Prejudice. I do know the pattern used by the Bingleys was Royal Doulton English Renaissance, but I cannot yet identify what was used in the Longbourn dining scenes.
    Thanks you to anyone who can help,
    Marcia


  5. on August 12, 2008 at 14:05 Marcia Larson

    I think I found the Bennett family china pattern. I believe it is Cornelia-Green by Mottahedeh. This pattern also comes in blue. A few pieces are available from Replacements Ltd., and I have had very good service from them in the past.
    Marcia

    Marcia: I created a post with some images of the Cornelia-Green pattern. (Click on link.) Thank you for finding it. Vic


  6. on August 26, 2008 at 08:54 Pride and Prejudice 1995, China Pattern at Longbourn « Jane Austen’s World

    […] of P&P 95.  J.A.W. visitor Marcia Larson found the Cornelia Green pattern by Mottahedeh (See comment in this post). Examining the photos of the china in the dining scene with the pattern that Marcia found – look […]


  7. on February 21, 2009 at 00:38 SHERRY

    THANKS FOR FINDING THIS LOVELY PATTERN. YOU’VE ALL BEEN TERRIFIC!
    WARMEST AND KINDEST REGARDS,
    SHERRY


  8. on May 1, 2009 at 18:17 Corrina

    Please can anyone tell me the name of the ‘best’ china tea service used in the Bennet household? (BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.)

    It appears in the scene after Lydia has been invited to Brighton and the Officers are taking tea at the Bennet’s. Elizabeth is standing in front of a cabinet which seems to contain the whole service and there is a close up of the cup from which she is drinking. It has a white background with lilac and pink flowers and a gold rim.

    I’ve noticed it in other BBC period dramas too.

    Any suggestions?

    Thanks very much.

    Corrina


  9. on January 21, 2011 at 12:03 “Would You Care for Weak Tea or Strong Tea?” How the Dowager Countess of Grantham Served Tea to Her Guests « Jane Austen's World

    […] In 1840, the Duchess of Bedford began serving tea with refreshments in the afternoon to appease her appetite before dinner. To read more about drinking tea between the 18th century and mid-19th century, read my post about Tea in the Regency Era. […]


  10. on February 24, 2011 at 07:33 Roberta, Firth Lady of Wadley

    Can you please, possibly identify the rococco china tea service that Lionel Logue had set up, for the Queen Mum, in the film, “The King’s Speech” ?

    Also, his small green pottery tea pot, with the snubbed spout. It is on a table next to the seated King (Oscar- nominated Colin Firth) in Lionel Logue’s consultory room.

    Many thanks.


    • on February 24, 2011 at 11:41 Vic

      I’ll ask people on Facebook and Twitter! Vic


  11. on June 17, 2011 at 12:31 Katie

    Where did you find the photo of the tea caddy? I would like to use it for a lesson plan I’m working on about tea. Thank you!


  12. on October 22, 2012 at 07:39 Tea and Tulips | Regency Reflections

    […] Tea in the Regency […]



Comments are closed.

  • Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

    Join 7,125 other subscribers
  • Items of Interest

  • Follow Jane Austen's World on WordPress.com
  • Blog Stats

    • 16,622,900 hits
  • RECOMMENDED BOOKS AND RESOURCES

  • Fashionable Goodness: Christianity in Jane Austen's England is now available! By JAW contributor Brenda S. Cox. See Review. Available from Amazon and Jane Austen Books.
  • Praying with Jane: 31 Days through the Prayers of Jane Austen, Rachel Dodge, and a bookmark with the quote "A whole family assembling regulary for the purpose of prayer is fine!" Jane Austen, Mansfield Park
    We also recommend JAW contributor Rachel Dodge's devotionals based on Jane Austen's prayers and classic literature. Reviews:
    Praying With Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen;
    The Secret Garden Devotional;
    The Anne of Green Gables Devotional;
    The Little Women Devotional.
  • Book cover of Bath: An Adumbration in Rhyme by John Matthews
    Bath -An Adumbration in Rhyme. Edited by Ben Wiebracht. Read the review of the book at this link. Click to order the book on Amazon US or Amazon UK
  • In Sri Lanka lies the grave of Rear Admiral Charles Austen CB, Jane Austen’s Brother

    The neglected tombstone found in an overgrown burial ground.

    Rear Admiral Charles Austen CB

    Died off Prome, the 7th October 1852, while in command of the Naval Expedition on the river Irrawady against the Burmese Forces, aged 73 years.”

    The grave after restoration

    Read the full article in The Sunday Times. June 27, 2021.

  • The Obituary of Charlotte Collins by Andrew Capes

    Click on image to read the story.

  • Comments

    “My idea of good company…is the company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation.” – Jane Austen, Persuasion

     

    Gentle readers: Please feel free to post your comments and continue the conversation! Due to SPAM, we will no longer accept comments on posts after 30 days of publication. In some instances, links will be removed from comments as well.

  • Administrators and Contributors

    Vic Sanborn, founder of this blog, is supported by a team of talented and knowledgeable writers about Jane Austen and the Regency era. They are:

    • Brenda Cox
    • Rachel Dodge and
    • Tony Grant, who now contributes his photos from London and England

    Click on their names to enter their own blogs.

    In addition, we thank the many experts and authors who frequently contribute their posts and opinions, and who continue to do so freely or at our request.

  • Pin It!

    Follow Me on Pinterest
  • Top Posts

    • Winter, Regency Style
      Winter, Regency Style
    • Highclere Castle Floor Plan: The Real Downton Abbey
      Highclere Castle Floor Plan: The Real Downton Abbey
    • Regency Fashion: Men's Breeches, Pantaloons, and Trousers
      Regency Fashion: Men's Breeches, Pantaloons, and Trousers
    • Men's hair styles at the turn of the 19th century
      Men's hair styles at the turn of the 19th century
    • Social Customs During the Regency
      Social Customs During the Regency
    • Conduct Books for Young Ladies
      Conduct Books for Young Ladies
    • The Servant's Quarters in 19th Century Country Houses Like Downton Abbey
      The Servant's Quarters in 19th Century Country Houses Like Downton Abbey
    • Keeping Warm in the Regency Era, Part One
      Keeping Warm in the Regency Era, Part One
    • Pride and Prejudice Economics: Or Why a Single Man with a Fortune of £4,000 Per Year is a Desirable Husband
      Pride and Prejudice Economics: Or Why a Single Man with a Fortune of £4,000 Per Year is a Desirable Husband
    • Dancing at the Netherfield Ball: Pride and Prejudice
      Dancing at the Netherfield Ball: Pride and Prejudice
  • Recent Posts

    • Winter, Regency Style
    • Book Review: Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin
    • Tracing Jane Austen’s Royal Ancestors Via Her Parents, by Ronald Dunning
    • Happy Birthday, Cassandra Austen!
    • Segmented Sleep: A common Phenomenon Before the Industrial Revolution
  • Links to Jane Austen Blogs

    Click here to enter the page. Topics include Regency fashion, historic foods, Jane Austen societies, British sites, related topics. Click on image.

  • May we suggest?

  • Hello, my name is Vic and I live in Maryland, USA. I have adored Jane Austen almost all of my life. I am a proud lifetime member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me and my team. We do not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions. However, we do accept and keep books and CDs to review.

    If you would like to share a new site, or point out an error, please email us. (Yes, we are fallible. We'll own up to our mistakes and will make the corrections with a polite smile on our faces.) Write us at

    gmailbw

    Thank you for visiting this blog. Your comments and suggestions are most welcome.

  • Project Gutenberg: eBook of Stage-coach and Mail in Days of Yore, Volume 2 (of 2), by Charles G. Harper

    STAGE-COACH AND MAIL IN DAYS OF YORE: A PICTURESQUE HISTORY
    OF THE COACHING AGE, VOL. II, By CHARLES G. HARPER. 1903. Click on this link.

     

  • Top Posts & Pages

    • Winter, Regency Style
    • Highclere Castle Floor Plan: The Real Downton Abbey
    • Regency Fashion: Men's Breeches, Pantaloons, and Trousers
    • Men's hair styles at the turn of the 19th century
    • Social Customs During the Regency
    • Conduct Books for Young Ladies
    • The Servant's Quarters in 19th Century Country Houses Like Downton Abbey
    • Keeping Warm in the Regency Era, Part One
    • Pride and Prejudice Economics: Or Why a Single Man with a Fortune of £4,000 Per Year is a Desirable Husband
    • Dancing at the Netherfield Ball: Pride and Prejudice
  • Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape
  • Disclaimer: Our team makes no profit from this blog. We may receive books (physical or digitized) and DVDs for review purposes.

  • Copyright Statement: © Jane Austen's World blog, 2009-2022. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jane Austen's World with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Blog at WordPress.com.

WPThemes.


  • Follow Following
    • Jane Austen's World
    • Join 7,125 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Jane Austen's World
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Copy shortlink
    • Report this content
    • View post in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d bloggers like this: