English coffeehouses in the 17th and 18th centuries

English Coffeehouses in the 17th and 18th Centuries

Rules and Orders of the Coffee House

English coffeehouses in the 17th and 18th centuries were vibrant hubs of social interaction, intellectual exchange, and business transactions. These establishments played a crucial role in the cultural and social life of England, particularly in London.

Origins and Spread

The first coffeehouse in England was opened in Oxford in 1650 by a Jewish man named Jacob. The concept quickly spread to London, where the first coffeehouse was established in 1652 by Pasqua Rosée, a Greek servant. By the end of the 17th century, coffeehouses had proliferated throughout the city, becoming popular venues for discussion and debate.

Social and Cultural Impact

Coffeehouses were known as "penny universities" because, for the price of a penny, one could gain access to a wealth of information and engage in stimulating conversation. They attracted a diverse clientele, including merchants, intellectuals, and politicians. These establishments were instrumental in the dissemination of news and ideas, often serving as venues for the reading and discussion of the latest pamphlets and newspapers.

Garraway's Coffee House

Political and Economic Influence

Coffeehouses were not only centers of social interaction but also of political and economic activity. They were frequented by members of the Whigs and Tories, who used them as informal meeting places. Additionally, many coffeehouses became associated with specific trades or professions, such as Lloyd's of London, which began as a coffeehouse frequented by merchants and shipowners.

Notable Coffeehouses

Several coffeehouses gained particular fame for their clientele and influence. Garraway's Coffee House was known for its auctions and as a meeting place for traders. Jonathan's Coffee House was another notable establishment, where the London Stock Exchange originated.

The Vertue of the Coffee Drink

Decline

By the late 18th century, the popularity of coffeehouses began to wane. The rise of private clubs and the increasing availability of tea, which became the preferred beverage, contributed to their decline. However, the legacy of the coffeehouse as a center of social and intellectual life persisted.

Legacy

The influence of the English coffeehouse can still be seen today in modern cafés and coffee shops, which continue to serve as places for social gathering and discussion. The coffeehouse culture of the 17th and 18th centuries laid the groundwork for the public sphere and the exchange of ideas that characterize contemporary society.

Law and Equity, or A Peep at Nando's

Related Pages

• History of coffee
• Lloyd's of London
• London Stock Exchange
• Whigs (British political party)
• Tories (British political party)

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