Who invented the British custom of afternoon tea?
The invention of the British custom of afternoon tea is widely credited to Anna Maria Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford.
The Duchess is said to have originated the idea sometime around 1840 at Woburn Abbey. At the time, the evening meal (dinner) was being served fashionably late, around 8:00 P.M., leaving a long, empty gap after the midday lunch. The Duchess frequently complained of “having that sinking feeling” in the late afternoon and began requesting a tray of tea, bread and butter, and cake be brought to her private room to tide her over until dinner.
Source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyRzwaaHU0E
https://www.threads.com/@beliproduk.official/post/DSLZRHTE5le