Donkey Lane Community Orchard - The Apples

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As stated in the previous article on the Chinnor Plum, we knew there were at least 20 apple trees in the orchard, according to the 2013 on-site survey by Derek Tolman of Bernwode Fruit Trees. However, there was no ‘actual’ identification of the varieties of apples on the sketch map but it did tell us some identifying features of the trees such as, double based, single late season, flat - small trunk, split and engulfed!

As clearing of the area began, we were delighted to start finding the fruit trees and by using Derek’s map and numbering system were able to identify them. Not only did we find all 20 trees, we found one more!

After carefully clearing the area around the fruit trees and trying to divest them of the enormous amount of thick growth of ivy, they were numbered and labelled in accordance with the map for consistency.

Any subsequent new fruit trees not identified on the map but in close proximity to an identified tree were given a suffix to identify it; for example by tree number 8 there was a small apple tree sapling which was numbered 8b.

At this stage, although identifying the location of the trees, we had no idea what varieties of apples were in the Orchard. The next question was ‘how were we going to identify them?’

What we knew – the area was thought to be occupied by cottages from c1700 with the last one demolished c1920; the cottagers most likely planted the fruit trees and no apple trees had been planted in the Orchard since it had been abandoned. We were hopeful that some of the apples would be a rarity.

How did we find help to identify them? In September 2019, members of the team, with an assortment of Orchard apples and leaves, visited an apple identification day run by Mid-Shires Orchard Group who had the Chair of the Fruit Section of the RHS attending. Some of the fruit taken had been picked too early so was difficult to identify. This is what we found out.

We have one tree that experts say may be either Lady Sudeley c1849 or George Cave.

Lady Sudeley originally named after the farm bailiff, Mr Jacobs of Petworth, Sussex, who introduced it in 1849. Subsequently nurseryman Bunyard, saw a dish of the fruit at a show and was so impressed by its striking appearance that he immediately bought some scion wood. He then renamed it after the wife of his favourite customer, saying that it reminded him of one of the dresses which she wore at court. Once widely grown in Kent, Sussex and Cornwall. Medium sized, golden fruit, with prominent deep red streaks, and aromatic flesh.

George Cave is an early English apple, ripening in early/mid-August, and like many summer apples can vary in colour from its basic green/yellow colour to all-over red depending on where the apple is exposed to the sun. The flavour is typical of early English apples, basically just tasting of "apple" although the flavour is stronger and more intense than other early season varieties. The apple is crisp straight from the tree but softens within a few hours of picking, and becomes dry and mealy within a few days. George Cave is not widely-grown, but it retains a following and many fruit tree nurseries list it in their catalogues, and the apples are sometimes available from small farms and orchards.

Lanes Prince Albert c1857 is a cooking apple which originated in Berkhamsted in the garden of Thomas Squire. He transplanted the tree to his front garden on the day that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert called in the town, to change horses at the King's Arms. He named it Victoria and Albert. John Lane, a grower in the town, was impressed by the tree because of its compact nature and heavy crops, and he introduced it as Lane’s Prince Albert in 1857. The original tree remained until 1958, when the house and garden were removed to make way for a new building.

Beauty of Bath c1864 is one of the most popular early dessert apples for well over a hundred years, sometimes eaten as early as July. It was introduced in 1864 by Cooling’s nursery, of Bath, though it was probably raised earlier. Small, brightly coloured fruit, which is sweet when fully ripe but also has a good tang. Crisp and juicy if eaten straight from the tree, but the fruit soon softens and will not store.

Worcester Pearmain c1873 originated as a seedling of ‘Devonshire Quarrenden’ grown by Mr Hale of Worcestershire, and introduced around 1873 by Richard Smith. It soon became very popular and by 1876 trees were selling for the extravagant sum of 1 guinea. Bright red, medium sized fruit, crisp and juicy, and with a strawberry flavour. Very sweet, and popular with children. Good crops in September, richer if left on the tree, but it does not store for long.

The majority of the apples in the Orchard are Bramley’s Seedlings c1876. The Bramley’s Seedling in the Orchard is unlike the uniform green of the commercial variety we buy nowadays. The Orchard Bramley is a pink and green apple and it’s thought to have been introduced by H. Merryweather in 1876 although it had been raised c.1810 by Mary Ann Brailsford in Nottinghamshire. Merryweather discovered it in 1857, when the garden belonged to Mr Bramley, the local butcher. Bramley eventually became the most popular cooking apple, with an acid yet good sweet flavour, partly keeping its shape when cooked. Ripe in November, the fruit will store well, until March.

Newton Wonder c1887. Origins of the fruit vary, one says it was found by an innkeeper, growing in the thatch of the Hardinge Arms, King's Newton, Derbyshire. Another says it was raised by Mr Taylor of King's Newton, as a cross between ‘Dumelow's Seedling’ and ‘Blenheim Orange’. It was introduced by Pearson & Co around 1887. A late cooking apple which cooks to a creamy purée and makes good baked apples and mincemeat. Large fruits, good for dessert later in the season.

There are still about a third of the apple varieties yet to be identified. There is also the possibility that there may be a new variety of apple unique to Chinnor!

Our working parties take place every 2nd Tuesday of the month 10am – 1pm and 3rd Saturday of the month 1pm – 3pm and you will be most welcome if you would like to join us.

Linda Brawn August 2021

If you are interested in knowing more or you have further information or photographs to add to the ‘Story’, we would love you to contact us either by email greeningchinnor@gmail.com or phone Carol Stewart on 07764 452777.

Acknowledgements to Bernwode Nurseries and Mid-Shires Orchard Group

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