THE HISTORY OF HIGH TEA      Prior to the introduction of tea into Britain, the English had two main meals, breakfast and dinner. Breakfast was ale, bread, and beef. During the middle of the eighteenth century, dinner for the upper and middle classes had shifted from noontime to an evening meal that was served at a fashionable late hour.      Dinner was a long, massive meal at the end of the day. Anna, the Duchess of Bedford (1788-1861) is credited as the creator of teatime. Because the noon meal had become skimpier, the Duchess suffered from "a sinking feeling" at about four o'clock in the afternoon.      At first the Duchess had her servants sneak her a pot of tea and a few breadstuffs. Adopting the European tea service format, she invited friends to join her for an additional afternoon meal at five o'clock in her rooms at Belvoir Castle.      The menu centered around small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, assorted sweets, and, of course, tea. This summer practice proved so popular, the Duchess continued it when she returned to London, sending cards to her friends asking them to join her for "tea and a walking the fields." The practice of inviting friends to come for tea in the afternoon was quickly picked up by other social hostesses.      During the second half of the Victorian Period, known as the Industrial Revolution, working families would return home tired and exhausted. The table would be set with any manner of meats, bread, butter, pickles, cheese and of course tea. None of the dainty finger sandwiches, scones and pastries of afternoon tea would have been on the menu. Because it was eaten at a high, dining table rather than the low tea tables, it was termed "high" tea. WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR VISIT      Julie and Robin hope you enjoy your visit and ask you to feel free to borrow any of the books, magazines and newspapers to read while you are here. You may also borrow any of the board and card games from the Games Cupboard to use during your visit, but please replace them before you leave. If you have a suitable laptop, we also have free high-speed wireless Internet access you may use as much as you like, and don’t forget, we sell all our teas, teapots and much, much more in our Gift Shoppe.      You may always substitute Traditional English Black Tea for one of the following teas (or coffee if you prefer): Assam, Camomile, Darjeeling, Earl Grey, Green Tea or Decaffeinated. We also have a wide range of herbal and fruity teas. Please ask your waiter or waitress for the blends we have available today. You can order any items from our menu “To Go”. We look forward to seeing you very soon!

The Olde English Tearoom & Gift Shoppe, 230 E Kleberg Ave, Kingsville, TX 78363. (361) 595 4TEA

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