CREAM? or MILK? M. Ford Creech Antiques & Fine Arts, Memphis, TN

CREAM?....or MILK?

Shown above are two 18^th century cream boats, a rare silver cream pail, and 3 cream jugs. However the British

NEVER take cream in tea – only milk, as cream is so strong that it overpowers the subtle flavor of tea.

If not tea, then what is the cream for?

CREAM was considered – and still is – a sweet. It was used in the 18^th century, until today, on fruit –

particularly strawberries – a trifle, cake, and breakfast oatmeal.

Devonshire or clotted cream – served on rich bread or scones – is a tradition called “Cream Tea” –

not tea with cream. “DEVONSHIRE CREAM TEA” was introduced in 11^th century by the Benedictine monks,

feeding the laborers restoring Tavistock Abbey. Its stone structure had been severely damaged during a Vikings

raid in 997 AD. The workers, in need of a high calorie diet to sustain their energies, were served the fatty clotted

cream on rich bread with strawberry jams – a dish soon served to other travelers. Although the Abbey was

destroyed during the Reformation, “Cream Tea” lived on.

The small boats and pails pictured above are for sweet cream. The “cream” jugs, or “creamers”, as they are often

called, are actually milk jugs, having held milk for the tea – and for coffee.

The name “creamer” is actually a misnomer

For information on the individual pictured "creamers" and creamboats,

click title below, or individual images.

Left to Right:

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We welcome and encourage all inquiries. We will make every attempt to answer any questions you might have.

For information, call (901) 761-1163 or (901) 827-4668 or email mfcreech@bellsouth.net

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