The Duchess Who Made Afternoon Tea And Sandwiches Popular

Afternoon teas are seeing a resurgence and becoming very popular in the U.S. and beyond. The best china is laid out, teapots are warmed, and plates are filled with scones, bread, and dainty finger sandwiches. Most people know that the tradition of afternoon tea started in England but may not have heard the story of where the custom originated.

The story goes that around the year 1840, Anna Maria Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, found herself peckish one afternoon. Since dinner wasn't served until 8 o'clock, the duchess asked for some light food and tea to be brought to her to quell the stomach rumbles. This became a habit, and before you knew it, the duchess was inviting friends to join her and the idea caught on. However, it's possible that the duchess was inspired by a preexisting German tradition of afternoon cakes and tea.

As time went on, afternoon tea of the 19th and 20th centuries became much more formal than a cuppa and some snacks, with guests dressing up for the highly sociable occasion. The guest list sometimes included as many as 200 names but, for a time anyway, it was largely a high-class women's affair.

The Duchess of Bedford was close to Queen Victoria and acted as her Lady of the Bedchamber until a scandal forced her resignation in August 1841. She didn't totally fall from the queen's graces, however. Queen Victoria visited the duke and duchess at their home after the scandal, though the duchess never quite regained her social standing.

It's important to clarify that there really is a difference between afternoon tea and high tea. Afternoon tea is a light affair with treats like dainty crustless finger sandwiches and cakes served in the mid-afternoon, while high tea is an actual meal served in the early evening. Indeed, there are Brits who still call their evening meal "tea." Today, high tea is still served, but afternoon tea is more often reserved for special occasions. 

Today, afternoon teas are more popular than ever in the U.S. and other locales. They make the perfect occasion to dress up, sip some Earl Grey, and enjoy a sweet and luxurious cake like a peach and lavender galette. While you're at it, raise a teacup to the woman who may have started it all, the Duchess of Bedford.