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The Origins of Afternoon Tea: A Slice of History

Afternoon tea, with its delicate sandwiches, delightful pastries, and steaming cups of tea, has become a cherished tradition in many cultures. Its roots, however, can be traced back to the 1840s in England, thanks to one particular individual: Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford.

The Duchess of Bedford: A Social Innovator

Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, found herself facing a dilemma in the early 1840s. The long stretch between lunch and dinner, often served as late as 8 or 9 p.m., left her feeling famished in the afternoon. In a bid to remedy this inconvenience, she decided to indulge in a private tea service in her bedroom around 4 or 5 p.m.