History of the Afternoon Tea
A Fragrant History: The Story Behind Afternoon Tea & Our Tea Rose Collection
Following our guide to the most elegant afternoon teas in the British Isles, we now turn to the origins of this beloved tradition – one that continues to inspire everything from five-star experiences to fragrance rituals.
The Origins of Afternoon Tea
The tradition of afternoon tea is credited to Anna, Duchess of Bedford, in the early 1840s. At the time, it was customary to have just two meals a day – breakfast and a late dinner. Seeking a little sustenance and comfort in the long hours between, the Duchess began taking tea and light refreshments in her private rooms.
What began as a personal remedy for hunger soon became a social custom, with friends invited to join her for tea, finger sandwiches, and delicate cakes. Among those to adopt the tradition was Queen Victoria, who helped elevate it to a national pastime – rich in elegance, conversation, and ceremony.
From Tradition to Collection
At Noble Isle, we honour British heritage by capturing its essence in fragrance. The Tea Rose Collection was born from our love of afternoon tea, not only as a culinary ritual, but as a celebration of grace and repose.
This romantic fragrance is steeped in black tea leaves and English rose petals, harvested from Chelsea Green. Uplifting top notes of bergamot and green leaves meet a floral heart of jasmine and rose, settling into a soft base of clary sage. The result is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern – an echo of a London tearoom in full bloom.
Everyday Indulgence
Our Tea Rose Collection includes a range of bath, body, and home essentials, each one vegan, cruelty-free, and made in the British Isles. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet soak, spritzing a space, or layering the scent onto your skin, it offers a sensory escape inspired by one of Britain’s most refined customs.
As Afternoon Tea Week unfolds this August, we invite you to embrace not only the treats and the tearooms, but the heritage. Indulge in the art of slowing down. And let your daily routine reflect the same poise that has defined this tradition for nearly two centuries.
