Tea was first mentioned in English culture in 1597 and was carried by clipper ships from China to Britain. In 1657, Caraway's Coffee House in London advertised tea as an amazing medicine. The 17th Duchess of Bedford often had afternoon tea in her room with friends, which became a popular tradition among the upper classes. In the 18th century, how you served tea showed your social status, and tea houses and tea gardens provided entertainment along with tea.