How Tea Time Came to England

Nope.  Nope.  Keep going. Ah, yes, there it is. A nice cup of tea We know we have China to thank for introducing tea to the

Well, that's all thanks to one Portuguese woman.  The year, 166. The person, Catherine of Braganza. She had just won the hand of England's King Charles II  with the help of a very large dowry including money, treasures, and spices. 

This worthwhile trade made her the Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland.  When she arrived at her new homeland,  she brought with her packets of loose leaf tea in crates labeled Transporte de Ervas Aromatics.  

It's a theory that this was later abbreviated to T-E-A, tea. Now tea could already be found in England but was only really used for medicinal purposes. Catherine continued drinking tea to her heart's content. 

And as the new royal, everything about her,  including her beverage habits,  was copied by other ladies desperate to be just like their idol. Another thing Catherine brought to the table from Portugal was the idea of the tea-drinking experience. 

She popularized the use of porcelain teacups and mugs. By the end of the 17th century, much of the British aristocracy were enjoying the hot beverage. Oo, delightful. And soon enough, so was everyone else. 

Today, while tea can be found pretty much everywhere it remains a special daily pastime for the Brits. So carry on and drink tea, people of England.