History of Tea
According to legend and mythology, the properties of tea were discovered in China in 2737 BC
by Emperor Shen Nung.
The Emperor, being an accomplished scientist, herbalist and revered ruler, had many strange
edicts, one of which was that all drinking water should be boiled before use
for hygiene reasons. One day whilst visiting a remote region of his domain he stopped by a
roadside to rest, and his courtiers boiled some water to drink. At this point it is said
that some leaves from a nearby bush fell into the water creating a brown, not unpleasant
smelling infusion. The Emperor being a keen herbalist took immediate interest in the liquid,
tried some and declared it to be 'very refreshing'. Hence Tea was discovered.
Tea arrives in Europe
Tea had spread throughout China and Japan, however it is reputed to have reached Europe
via the Portuguese trade routes from China around the year 1559 AD. From Lisbon, the
Dutch claim credit for transporting the new beverage to France and Holland.
Tea arrives in America
The Dutch were actively trading throughout the western world and in the 1650s the Dutch
Settlement of New Amsterdam (now New York) consisted of a large number of enthusiastic tea
drinkers.
The Boston Tea Party - this is one of the most famous incidents in the history
of American Independence. In 1773 British Parliament, in order to raise taxes for military
purposes, imposed a tax on imported tea in both Britain and America. As a protest, between
30 and 60 men dressed as American Indians, boarded the ships in Boston Harbour which were
owned by the British East India Company. The tea chests were smashed open and thrown
overboard into the sea. This sparked off a boycott of tea by patriotic Americans and
highlighted the lack of American representation in the British parliament of the time.
Tea arrives in England
It is unclear whether tea arrived in England or America first. Samples arriving in London
are recorded in 1652 yet the first evidence of any sale of tea does not appear until 1657,
when Thomas Garaway (famous for his Coffee House in Exchange Alley, London) held a public
sale. Much was made of the health giving properties of the beverage and prices ranged from
£6.00 to £10.00 per pound!
Tea rapidly gained popularity and became available in the many coffee houses in the south
of England. As supply became more plentiful and prices reduced, tea soon replaced gin and
ales as the drink of the masses. Uniquely it also still maintained its position as a
drink of sophistication, favoured by the upper classes and enjoyed in homes and gardens
all over the country. Tea Gardens, Tea Rooms and Tea Dances became popular meeting places.
Pumphrey's of Newcastle
Tea is still enormously popular today and work places throughout the country would not
begrudge anyone their daily tea-breaks. (Especially Pumphreys!).
From the 18th century to the present day, Pumphreys has gradually evolved from a grocery
business in the Flesh Market, Newcastle upon Tyne, to a supplier of speciality teas.
You can now purchase the world's finest teas from Pumphreys online store or visit our factory
shop at Bridge Street, Blaydon, Newcastle upon Tyne.