History of Tea

England

The East trade routes were flourishing.  England became active in the trade routes.  Soon, the English developed a hunger for tea which became unmatched even in Europe.  Tea shops became popular, so much so that there were reported to be over two thousand shops in London alone during the 1600's.  As in Europe, the luxury of tea drinking became synonymous with the wealthy class.  The government noticed this popular movement and subjected the population to a heavy tea tax.  As a result, the European sources of tea were being smuggled into England to satisfy the hunger for this savory new drink.  Tea was being smuggled to such an incredible amount, that it was soon available to all people.