First Recorded Cuppa (and Tea Break)

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First Recorded Cuppa (and Tea Break)

City, London The 25th of September 1660 AD

It is thought that the first tea may have been imported into Britain in about 1650, the Dutch East India Company the likely source. But the earliest record we have of any Brit taking a cuppa dates from September 25 1660: none other than Samuel Pepys , follower of fashion and sensualist, the man enjoying the beverage. Having spent time at the office discussing international politics he notes: “And afterwards I did send for a cup of tee [sic] (a China drink) of which I never had drank before.” So he may have established that British institution the tea break then too.

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