Cutty Sark was built exclusively for the China tea trade. Tea had been enjoyed in Asia for centuries, but it did not reach Britain until the 1650s.
Initially hailed for its medicinal qualities, tea was mainly enjoyed by the wealthy. But thanks, in part, to an extensive smuggling network, its popularity exploded. Tea taxes were slashed to end the smuggling, and by the early 19th century working families were consuming it twice daily. It was also huge business, with over 28 million kilograms imported in 1869 alone.
A fashion developed among Victorians for consuming the first tea to be unloaded in London. This spurred the ‘great tea races’ and a spirit of intense competition: get home first and you could command huge prices. That’s why, as a clipper ship, Cutty Sark was designed to be fast.
Thanks for sharing this, Cherie – I like the angles you have taken your pictures from
Thank you
What did families drink before tea was imported? Beer would have been acceptable only for men in a pub, I suppose.
When water wasn’t safe as a drinking source.
Women used to drink weak beer instead.
I have only been to the upper deck, it was free on Greenwich & Dockalnds International Festival.
Did you see the Painted Hall? It used to be free in the past.
So was the Observatory.
Sigh, Greenwich Council is running out of £££!
I have visited many of the museums on this and a previous occasion.
I am not sure about the painted hall. Is that a separate building/attraction?
The Painted Hall is just a min walk away from Cutty Sark.
You may recognise the place from the films, Pirates of the Caribbean, Les Miserables, Thor, etc.
I don’t recognise if from the flims, although I have found it. It looks spectacular
Rather tea than opium.
Tea is more calming and healthful in the long term