Do you like tea? I love trying different kinds, especially on cold days.

Hi, I'm Georgiana. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. Today we'll talk

about the British love for tea, and in a future episode, I'll show you how to make a British-style cup of tea.

Before we start, get the transcript for free at speakenglishpodcast.com slash podcast.

Okay, let's start. Long ago in the 1600s, tea debuted in the UK. This fancy beverage

didn't magically appear. It came from Portugal. Catherine of Braganza, married to King Charles II,

really liked tea, and introduced this interesting new habit in the UK. Tea for the elite.

In the early days, tea was rare and expensive, like treasure.

People kept their tea and special lockboxes called tea caddies.

Back then, only people like the king and queen enjoyed it.

Afternoon tea parties

In the 1700s, tea became more popular, but it was still costly.

Then, Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, had a brilliant idea.

Afternoon tea parties.

She invited her friends for tea and snacks in the afternoon,

which became a stylish tradition.

The Tea Trade

The British East India Company played a huge part in making tea famous in the UK.

They established trade relations with China and brought both loads of tea back.

There were even big arguments and fights, like the opium wars

over tea and other trading. Tea for everyone. In the 1800s, tea became more affordable,

and people from all walks of life started drinking it.

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