12 Mar 2014
Thursday 13th March marks 250 years since the birth of Charles, 2nd Earl Grey (13 March 1764 – 17 July 1845) who lends his name to the iconic Earl Grey tea.
Howick Hall was described as ‘…a paradise on Earth,’ by Lady Georgiana Grey, daughter of the Earl who inhabited the house in the 18th and 19th Centuries. The 2,500-acre estate has been home to the Grey family since the 1530s. In the mid 19th century, the second Earl Grey, was the Prime Minister responsible for fundamental changes in British society including the abolition of slavery, a topic very much in the public eye following the recent Oscar success of the film 12 Years a Slave.
Now one of Britain’s greatest coastal gardens, Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum is recognised as the birthplace of the world famous Earl Grey Tea. The quintessentially British blend was originally concocted to compliment the water of the estate, making the Earl Grey Tea House at Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum the only place in the world where you can get an authentic taste of Earl Grey Tea.
Jude Leitch of Northumberland Tourism said:
“Earl Grey is one of Northumberland’s favourite sons and his classic tea blend is enjoyed around the world. Many tea-lovers have already made the pilgrimage to his birthplace at the beautiful Howick Hall Gardens and we’re sure more will follow in 201, the 250th anniversary of his birth.”
Head to Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum, this week to discover a fascinating history, a true taste of Northumberland and one of Britain’s greatest coastal gardens.
- Ends -
Notes to Editors:
Northumberland Tourism is the official destination-marketing organisation for Northumberland.
Northumberland Tourism is the voice of tourism in Northumberland working with businesses and public agencies to achieve the vision for Northumberland, to promote the area and ensure visitors have the best possible experience.
Free images are available for download from www.marketingnorthumberland.com
Tel: 01670 794520
Fax: 01670 794529
Northumberland Tourism
Suite 27,
Wansbeck Business Centre,
Rotary Parkway,
Ashington,
Northumberland,
NE63 8QZ
For further information please contact: Annie Edgar annie.edgar@northumberlandtourism.co.uk
