A Celebration of the History of Tea Drinking

In the early 1700s, tea rivalled the price of gold, making it one of the most heavily guarded commodities in a grand house. In 1706, Thomas Twining opened London's first known dedicated tea shop, growing tea's popularity among the rising middle classes. By the mid 18th century, the custom of drinking of coffee, tea and chocolate at home had become widely fashionable and a host of associated luxury wares were required for the status signalling ritual of 'taking' tea; from full tea and coffee services made in fine porcelain and silver, to lockable caddies and dainty tea tables from which to serve the refreshment. To protect the precious leaves, tea caddies were fitted with locks. The mistress of the house wore a chatelaine, a decorative belt hook with hanging chains, to keep the keys securely on her person at all times.