Tea lovers heroine

I went out on a lovely sixteen mile hike yesterday and passed through the grounds of Woburn Abbey. There wasn’t time to go inside, but I’m now gagging to take a look around the place, not just because it’s a gorgeous historical building, or even because the setting for my novel is a converted Abbey.

Actually, I shall consider my visit to Woburn Abbey a pilgrimage to the wonderful Anna Maria, who was married to the 7th Duke of Bedford and lived at Woburn Abbey. Anna Maria was apparently the originator of English afternoon tea.

What a legacy.

Just think, if it hadn’t been for Anna Maria everyone in England (including me) would have to go all afternoon without a cup of tea. Can you imagine how awful that would be? No, neither can I.