The rate of heat transfer from one body to another depends on the difference in temperature between the two bodies and many other factors. Higher the temperature difference, faster is the rate of heat flow.
It depends on many things, but if on the same conditions, it was probably equal, however a small change can make the speed at which they reach the same temperature different.
It was in tin Britain because that was where it paid to invent in the 17th and 18th century the growth of manufacturing commercial economy increased demand of literacy, numeracy and trade skills
