World Model · podcast knowledge graph

History of Tea: Britain’s stolen brew

2026-09-11 · 55 min · 11 entities

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Asserted relationships

  • → appeared on You're Dead to Me podcast
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    evidence rules-v5
    Hosted by: Greg Jenner
  • → discusses Comedy concept
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    evidence rules-v5
    Feed category: Comedy
  • → discusses History website
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    evidence rules-v5
    Feed category: History
  • → hosted by BBC company
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    Feed author/publisher: BBC
  • → hosted by BBC Radio 4 company
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    evidence rules-v5
    Feed author/publisher: BBC Radio 4

Entities found in this episode

companys 4

  • mentioned BBC company
    0.70
    evidence rules-v5
    Feed author/publisher: BBC
  • mentioned BBC Radio 4 company
    0.70
    evidence rules-v5
    Feed author/publisher: BBC Radio 4
  • hosted by BBC company
    0.40
    evidence rules-v5
    Feed author/publisher: BBC
  • hosted by BBC Radio 4 company
    0.40
    evidence rules-v5
    Feed author/publisher: BBC Radio 4

concepts 3

  • mentioned Comedy concept
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    evidence rules-v5
    Feed category: Comedy
  • mentioned Britain’s stolen brew concept
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    evidence rules-v5
    History of Tea: Britain’s stolen brew
  • discusses Comedy concept
    0.40
    evidence rules-v5
    Feed category: Comedy

websites 2

  • mentioned History website
    0.50
    evidence rules-v5
    Feed category: History
  • discusses History website
    0.40
    evidence rules-v5
    Feed category: History

persons 1

  • mentioned Greg Jenner person
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    evidence rules-v5
    Hosted by: Greg Jenner

podcasts 1

Episode description as stored
Greg Jenner is joined by Professor Yangwen Zheng and comedian Hugh Dennis to learn about the global history of tea, and how it became Britain’s national drink. Despite its popularity in the UK, much of our tea is grown in India and Kenya, while the tea plant itself is native to China. The story of how it made its way into Britain’s kitchens – and the nation’s hearts – is surprisingly bloody, encompassing war, colonialism, and even botanical theft. This episode charts the global history of tea from its Chinese origins, taking in the Mongol invasions, the contested role of a Portuguese princess in bringing the drink to Britain, the devastation wrought by the Opium Wars, and the theft of tea plants from China to India. Along the way, it also looks at how it moved from the tables of the rich in Britain to become the fuel of the workers, and the moment tea became a matter of national security. If you’re a fan of Chinese history, skulduggery and industrial espionage, and how European colonialism shaped the modern world, you’ll love our episode on the History of Tea. If you want more Chinese history with Professor Yangwen Zheng, listen to our episode on Dowager Empress Cixi. And for more on the history of commodities, check out our episodes on chocolate, coffee and spices. You’re Dead To Me is the comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Every episode, Greg Jenner brings together the best names in history and comedy to learn and laugh about the past. Hosted by: Greg Jenner Research by: Siobhan-Michelle Smith and Naomi Weaver Written by: Siobhan-Michelle Smith, Dr Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Dr Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner Produced by: Dr Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production Coordinator: Gill Huggett Senior Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse Executive Editor: Philip Sellars