The Origins of Tea
The Origins of Tea: From Emperors to Afternoons
As a proud British tea company, we believe every cup carries centuries of legacy. At The House of Tea, we honour the deep-rooted story behind every leaf—from premium loose-leaf tea brewed under Chinese emperors to the refined parlours of Georgian Britain. This page traces the rich global journey of tea, showcasing the culture, legends, and key figures that shaped its role as our national comfort. Whether you’re steeped in history or just discovering luxury tea gifts, this timeline reveals how tea travelled the globe to become Britain’s most beloved ritual.
Historical Timeline
2737 BC – The First Infusion
Chinese legend tells of Emperor Shen Nung, who discovered tea when wild leaves drifted into his boiling water. The tree? Camellia sinensis.
206 BC – 220 AD – Han Dynasty Tombs
Archaeological finds confirm tea’s cultural presence in China, with containers found in royal tombs.
618–906 AD – Tang Dynasty
Tea becomes China’s national drink. Scholar Lu Yu pens the Ch’a Ching (The Classic of Tea), cementing tea’s cultural standing.
Early 800s – Japan’s Tea Ceremony Begins
Japanese monks studying in China introduce tea to Japan, giving rise to the refined Japanese Tea Ceremony.
1600 – British East India Company
Granted exclusive rights to trade outside Europe, the Company brings back exotic goods—including tea.
1652 – London’s First Coffee House Opens
A sign of new trends in British beverage culture. Coffee houses soon begin selling tea.
1658 – Tea First Advertised in London
The Mercurius Politicus features Britain’s first tea ad: “China Drink… Tay alias Tee” now sold in Sweeting’s Rents.
1662 – The Royal Tea
Revolution
Catherine of Braganza, Portuguese princess and tea lover, marries King Charles II. Her devotion to tea turns it into a courtly craze.
1664 – First Official
Tea Order
The East India Company places Britain’s first tea shipment order: 100 lbs of Chinese tea from Java.
18th Century – Tea Becomes British
From aristocratic salons to working-class kitchens, tea becomes an enduring fixture of British life.
Cultural Significance
In Britain today, tea is more than a beverage—it’s a cultural ritual, a symbol of warmth, comfort, and hospitality. Yet its roots stretch back through centuries and civilisations. From Shen Nung’s accidental discovery to Catherine of Braganza’s royal influence, tea’s journey is one of global exchange, trade, tradition and refinement. At The House of Tea, we celebrate this heritage in every blend we offer.
Sidebar
Explore Tea’s Rich Heritage—from Ancient China to Modern Britain—with Every Cup From the House of Tea.
Address
45 Bury Old Rd, Heywood OL10 3JD, UK
Contact
Phone: 07517 177661
Email: andykay0202@gmail.com
More Links
© 2025 Andrew Kay