In a time when coffee was king, one man, Thomas Twining, went against the tide to share his love of tea. His passion turned a little-known drink into the nation's favourite hot beverage.

For us, tea is more than just a drink. It's been part of our daily lives and the lives of generations of tea lovers for over 300 years.

We wouldn’t have our beloved tea without this family; they have taught the world what there is to know about good quality tea.

So far, ten generations of the Twining family have been there to watch it all happen, from the creation of our famous English Breakfast blend to supplying tea to the Red Cross.

The Twining family originate from Gloucestershire and there they held the occupation of weavers and fulling millers. Although their ties with the county went back many centuries, recession drove the family to London in 1684.

With them went nine-year-old Thomas Twining, founder of the tea business.