Tea became the nation's beverage during Queen Victoria's reign. Lower taxes on tea and the expansion of plantations in India (the plant had originated in China) meant there was more affordable tea than ever before, making it accessible to more levels of society.
 
This bone china tea set is hand-painted with a burnt umber floral design, very typical of its day.  The set would have been used by persons of reasonable wealth.  It comprises: six tea cups, six saucers, six tea plates, and two cake plates.  
 
The overall condition of this service is very good, one cup has some crazing to the inside, their are no cracks or chips to any of the pieces.
 
Dimensions: diameter of tea plate is 18.5cm