Jo Steer

There are few things quite as indulgent or as quintessentially British as the ritual of afternoon tea.

It's something that's served across the country, a steaming pot of tea accompanied by an array of sweet and savory treats.

To understand the origins of this tradition, we'll go back to the beginning, to the late 17th century, when tea first arrived in Britain.

We'll see how this once exotic beverage became associated with traditions and rules of etiquette, and how the cravings of a duchess left a lasting cultural impact.

So just relax

and let your mind drift as we explore the sleepy history of the afternoon tea.

Our story begins in 1662.

This is the year that Catherine of Braganza married King Charles II.

He was the King of Scotland, Ireland, and England, which then included Wales.

Catherine herself was a Portuguese princess.

Her father was King John IV of Portugal, one of the most important leaders in Europe.

Through her arranged marriage, Catherine became queen consort of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Today, Catherine is often remembered as the first tea-drinking queen of England.

As was customary at the time, a dowry was to be paid upon marriage, a gift from the bride's family to her groom.

Catherine's dowry was generous indeed.

It included the Portuguese territories of Bombay and Tangier, trading rights in Brazil, and a lump sum of 2 million Portuguese crowns.

These were valuable assets, and no doubt added to the appeal of the match.

But that wasn't all.

When the princess moved to England, it seems that she also brought something else with her, a box filled with dry tea leaves.

Unknown to her or any at the time, these tea leaves would change English society.