Tea For Our Time

A lively social history of tea told through the story of the Twinings tea company.

Founded at Tom's Coffee House in the early 18th century, this family business came to dominate the London tea trade. A History of Twinings tells how the family kept their brand name pure by refusing to buy tea smuggled into Britain (unlike their rivals); how they became key in the adoption of Indian (rather than Chinese) tea; and explains the origins of the different blends they have introduced. Included are fascinating details from the company archive that illustrate the drinking habits of many famous figures. In 1828 Dorothy Wordsworth ordered from Twinings 6lb of good West India coffee (ready roasted), 75lb of souchong and 30lb of congou for herself and her brother William, all to be shipped by canal to their house near Kendal. From the invention of packet tea onwards Twinings has branded itself beautifully and as well as contemporary archive images, the book features many examples of the company's changing packaging and advertising design.