butterflyuk

Tea might have come to England in the 16th century after Elizabeth I granted a charter to the East India Company to import goods from outside Europe but by jolly it was loved by England enough to add it into the daily diet, by those who could afford it, I must add.

My sincere thanks go to the Earl of Sandwich for inventing one of my staple food items but Duchess of Bedford was clever enough to incorporate them to her afternoon tea in the 1800. Tea in those days was an entertainment item and was important enough to have parties and dances revolving round it.

Unfortunately I didn't get to join the afternoon tea dance party today but to shut up Girlie friend No. 2 moaning that I haven't spent any quality time with her since she broke her ribs I took her to a Tea House. I made sure she knew that this was also a celebration tea for getting the ribs glued up together so that I don't get blackmailed for another outing.

There is a quaint little Tea Room at the Dam House in Astley, off East Lancs. Road. If you pass by there you must visit it. It may not be much to look at now but I fall in love with all the places where there is a story of blighted love. In this case Anne was the daughter of Protestant Mr. Mort. The target of her love James was Catholic whose family was forced by Mort family to leave the area. Anne pined to her death for James. Legend says that the Grey Lady (ghost of Anne) wanders around the area looking for her lover.

We of course didn't see or worry about Anne while gorged on the Afternoon Tea which consisted of seven different sandwiches, home made cherry scones with jam and cream and cakes. Ironically I chose coffee to wash down my high tea! All this for £5.50 FOR TWO!!!

Outside there is a beautiful setting of green area with trees and my favourite, a pond with ducks. Real peaceful and relaxing. The ducks even followed us all the way to the car.

I am all for the tradition of afternoon tea - only condition is that I must have coffee for my tea.