As one of the very first places in the country to brew a great cup of tea, it is the birthplace of a timeless Yorkshire tradition.
Now visitors to Temple Newsam can be part of a moving history stretching back over 370 years as the historic estate prepares for its very first tea festival.
From this weekend until October 10, the estate will have a program of events and activities celebrating all tea, including tea dances, themed crafts and baking.
The events will continue a long legacy of tea at Temple Newsam that began on the 17the century. The West Yorkshire Archives hold a huge collection of documents relating to the estate, including an apothecary’s invoice for medicinal ingredients purchased for the estate in 1642.
Among the items specified on the English Civil War era shopping list is an order for a number of bottles of “Chinese drink,” the ancient name of tea, each bottle being priced at. four shillings and six pence.
The bill is considered one of the earliest known written references to tea in England, predating the famous text by famous chronicler Samuel Pepys, which referred to the drink in 1660.
Adam Toole, Curator of Temple Newsam, said: “The house and estate have made so many memorable contributions to the history of the city and country over the centuries and we are always making new discoveries about the people who have lived there. and worked here. .
“It is fascinating that Temple Newsam has played a role in Yorkshire tea history, and we hope our visitors will join us next week to explore this heritage while enjoying a cup or two.â€
Temple Newsam tea festival events will begin this Saturday (October 2) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., when the mansion’s photo library will host dance lessons with Arbeau, followed by refreshments in the Still Room.
On October 4, at 1:30 p.m., visitors to the estate’s walled garden can sew their own tea bags and chat with the team about the medicinal herbs grown there.
And on October 5, at 1 p.m., a member of the Yorkshire Tea Blending Team will host a conference on tea varieties, tastes and blends.
A specially designed Temple Newsam tea will also be available for purchase in the shop and cafe, inspired by the estate and co-created with staff members.
Councilor Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Head of Leeds City Council and Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education, said: “Newsam Temple is such an important part of the city’s heritage and one of our most beautiful and popular places.
“It’s always great to see the estate’s unique history come to life in new and inventive ways, especially those that bring people together.
For more information on the Temple Newsam Tea Festival and to book tickets for individual events, visit: https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/temple-newsam/temple-newsam-tea-festival
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