Introduced into England (along with coffee and chocolate) in the 1650s, it was first of all valued for its restorative properties – and is still fulfilling that role today!

By the dawn of the Victorian era, tea had become the centrepiece of a new late-afternoon social event in the lives of the well-off. It was also a popular alternative to beer as the staple drink of working people.

The humble cup of tea is also surprisingly controversial. People have come to blows over earth-shattering questions such as "Do you put in the tea or the milk first?"

Whether you put the milk or the tea in first, whether you’re a loose-leaf devotee or a bag fan - because everybody has their own preferred method of making tea - you'll find the answer here on Icons!