While I was baking this light and delicious cake for our afternoon tea I was wondering, why it is called Victoria and this is what I learned:
Anna, the Duchess of Bedford (1788-1861), one of Queen Victoria's (1891-1901) ladies-in-waiting, is credited as the creator of teatime. Because the noon meal had become skimpier, the Duchess suffered from "a sinking feeling" at about four o'clock in the afternoon. At first the Duchess had her servants sneak her a pot of tea and a few breadstuffs into her dressing room.

Adopting the European tea service format, she invited friends to join her for an additional afternoon meal at five o'clock in her rooms at Belvoir Castle. The menu centered around small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, assorted sweets, and, of course, tea. This summer practice proved so popular, the Duchess continued it when she returned to London, sending cards to her friends asking them to join her for "tea and a walking the fields. The practice of inviting friends to come for tea in the afternoon was quickly picked up by other social hostesses.

Queen Victoria adopted the new craze for tea parties. By 1855, the Queen and her ladies were in formal dress for the afternoon teas. This simple cake was one of the queen's favorites. After her husband, Prince Albert, died in 1861, the Queen Victoria spend time in retreat at the Queen's residence (Osborn House) at the Isle of Wight. According to historians, it was here that the cakes were named after her.
(Linda Stradley:Whats cooking America ).

Somehow this tradition made it to our family, but we don´t dress up for our afternoon tea:) Maybe I should insist?

Loved the history lesson Marie. And I know I would absolutely love a piece of any of your cakes. ;-D Ryana · 2012-02-04: 11:20

I watch with open mouth your cake, I didn't read story! gonia · 2012-02-04: 12:02

oh #2 looks soooooooooooo gooood!! jennyLit · 2012-02-04: 12:44

delicious These pictures are cool. SergioDC · 2012-02-04: 16:54

Looks delicious as always, marie. You have afternoon tea??? That is so interesting. I would like to know more. - Great information. I read the whole thing! danrav · 2012-02-04: 18:29

it looks so delicious !! finbarr · 2012-02-04: 18:49

Now I have to get up and go get something to eat, looks so good! LisaMarieGeorge · 2012-02-04: 21:14

Very nice! honzicek · 2012-02-04: 23:51

OMG, I appreciate the history lesson Marie, but can't focus on anything but that cake. liveandletlive · 2012-02-05: 14:39

Yummmmmmmmmmm ! It's my favorite cake Thanks helys · 2012-02-05: 14:45

Yes .....you should insist on proper attire for afternoon tea and cake! That's what makes it special! The Queen would be outraged! tsk tsk tsk Thank you so much for the history of this cake and the invitation to teatime at your house! Proper attire of course! ArtBee · 2012-02-05: 14:56

Looks yummy! Would you share the recipe for the filling and glaze? I think I will use it in a sponge cake roulade! CHOSSID · 2012-02-09: 12:39

I'm not looking... I'm not looking..... Unchained · 2012-02-18: 14:25

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