If you have seen one of my favorite/favourite British films, Love Actually, you will no doubt remember the Prime Minister's (Hugh Grant) tea lady (Martine McCutcheon) at 10 Downing Street. (By the way, this great film has an equally great soundtrack.)
Martine McCutcheon as The Tea Lady at No. 10 (Photo from the BBC)
The British tradition of the "tea lady" was first introduced in 1666 by a Mrs. Harris, who was the wife of the Housekeeper and Beadle (i.e., a worker who holds a special office) of the East India Company. Little did she think that, when she made tea for the Committee Meetings held by Directors of the Company, she was laying the foundation stone for a tradition that would not only last for more than 300 years, but would also cause a national outcry when most companies decided, in the 20th century, to replace the traditional tea lady with ..... vending machines.
Martine McCutcheon as The Tea Lady at No. 10 The British tradition of the "tea lady" was first introduced in 1666 by a Mrs. Harris, who was the wife of the Housekeeper and Beadle (i.e., a worker who holds a special office) of the East India Company. Little did she think that, when she made tea for the Committee Meetings held by Directors of the Company, she was laying the foundation stone for a tradition that would not only last for more than 300 years, but would also cause a national outcry when most companies decided, in the 20th century, to replace the traditional tea lady with ..... vending machines.
Over the next few days, I'm going to pay homage to the Tea Lady, and share with you some real-life tea ladies from the past - and the present, if I can find them!!
8 comments:
I love that movie!
I brought you back a little bag of tea from Kenya! We'll have to get together soon.
Love the tea lady. Welcome back.
I love that movie too! It is one of my all-time favorites. And it doesn't hurt that Hugh Grant is in it and I love that dance he does coming down the staircase! Thanks for giving the background of the tea lady. I never knew that.
Can't wait to learn more about the tea ladies! Fun!
I'm embarrassed, but I haven't seen the movie! I'll get it, tho. Missed you, glad you're back.
Martine McCutcheon was great as Natalie, wasn't she? She is a great singer and an author as well. Her novel,"The Mistress" is coming soon. I have a fanpage dedicated to her:
http://www.myspace.com/andrinaaldape
What a fun series -- but then everything you share is great!
I'll be eagerly checking in tomorrow for more informative news about the tea lady!
This is interesting and fun to learn about the Tea Ladies.
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