Minor British Institutions: The Marie biscuit
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Marie biscuit was named after the now- forgotten Grand Duchess Maria, or Marie, Alexandrovna of Russia, daughter of Czar Alexander II of Russia and wife of the second son of Queen Victoria, Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh. She was a sort of Diana of her day, so much of a sensation that the famous British bakery Peek Frean decided to create a new biscuit to celebrate her marriage into the British royal family in 1874.
This right royal connection may explain why the Marie is the most fussily patterned of biscuits, with the ornate detail typical of contemporary tastes. It is a sort of up-market version of the Rich Tea biscuit, more durable in the dunk and tastier.
It was popular here and across Victoria's empire, and is still baked and enjoyed around the world, though it is a less common sight than it was. It goes well with coffee, too. An irrelevant though compelling fact is that Marie's son Alfred died of syphilis at the age of 24.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments