I dont think there is anyone on this planet who adores a hot cup of tea more than us English!
Wether it be sugary and strong, black or milky morning tea we love it. It's one of the things that, no matter what the situation tea will always help you to relax. But lets look further back than just a packet on a supermarkets shelf.
Tea first appeared as a beverage in England in the 17th Century. But it was Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford who, in the early 1800's launched the idea of having tea in the late afternoon to bridge the gap between luncheon and dinner, which in fashionable circles might not be served until 8 o'clock at night. This fashionable custom soon evolved into high tea among the working classes, where this late afternoon repast became the main meal of the day.
The problem was it took so long to get to England from the Far east so the East India Company was given a monopoly on the tea trade in 1832,. They realized the need to cut the time of this journey. The Americans actually designed the first "clippers", or streamlined, tall-masted vessels, but the British were close behind. These clippers sped along at nearly 18 knots by contemporary accounts - nearly as fast as a modern ocean liner.
So great was the race for speed that an annual competition was begun for clippers to race from the Canton River to the London Docks. The first ship to unload its cargo won the captain and crew a hefty bonus. The most famous of the clipper ships was the Cutty Sark, built in 1868. It only made the tea run eight times, but for its era it was a remarkable ship. The Cutty Sark is now on exhibition at Greenwich.
So we now know how it arrived here but where abouts exactly in the East was it coming from.
India of course. India is one of the largest producer of Tea. Indulging the workforce of more than 2 millions, Tea production in India constitutes a major building block of Indian economy. The rich greenery and natural surroundings prevailing all over in East, North-East and South region of the country nourish plenty of lush green tea plantation area. Assam Tea Gardens Assam, Darjeeling and Nilgiri, the three Tea growing region, are world famous for its quality of Tea as well as the natural beauty of its Tea plantation area.
And it is one tea estate in particular which is of significant interest to us.
Back in 1955 the Far Eastern Expedition wrote to the managing director or Brooke Bond Tea, who at the time were acting as a paralell government in India. They explained their need to camp some where near to the Burmese border so they could lighten their loads before tackling the un-known Ledo Road. Brooke bond wrote back and said they would be very welcome to stay at their main tea estate in Assam, the Dhekiajuli estate.
So just after New Years in 1956, 6 chilly students rode up outside the main gates and entered into the grand gardens. They were shown to a spacious, quiet spot which had been espically chosen for them.
This picture was taken at the estate and was titled 'Far Eastern Expedition, last seen in Assam preparing for Burma'.
Today Tata has invested heavily into the Tea trade and owns a great deal of estates.
Our interest lies with the original estate and it just so happens that this estate today is run by Tata, details of which can be seen here. http://www.tatatea.com/nipd.htm
Our aim is to re-create this photo on the same tea estate using similar kit.
We hope that with a little persuasion we will be invited to stay here so we too can relax and drink plenty of hot tea before we tackle the Ledo Road fifty-five years on.
Will it even still exist ?????
This image reflects the number of estates Tata own today.
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