Charles Grey, second Earl Grey, was British Prime Minister from 1830-34. Popular legend tells that he discovered the delights of this blend of tea flavoured with bergamot when passed the recipe by a Chinese friend. However, it is likely that a trader in herbs and spices simply combined the two flavours whilst experimenting in his London warehouse, and adopted the Earl’s name to take advantage of his popularity. The tea bearing his name has remained popular long after the Earl has been consigned to history.
