Appeal Seeks to Protect Britain’s Original Bramley Apple Tree for Future Generations
Campaigners have launched a nationwide appeal to secure the future of the original Bramley apple tree in Nottinghamshire, aiming to preserve one of Britain’s most significant pieces of horticultural heritage.
The tree, believed to be more than 220 years old, stands in the garden of a cottage in Southwell and is recognised as the source of every Bramley apple grown worldwide today. Supporters are now attempting to raise funds to purchase the property and transform it into a public heritage centre rather than see it pass into private ownership.
Historic Southwell Cottage Put Up for Sale
The cottage, currently owned by Nottingham Trent University, has been placed on the market, prompting concerns among conservationists and local historians about the future accessibility of the tree.
Planted from a pip by Mary Ann Brailsford in the early 19th century, the tree has since become an enduring symbol of Britain’s culinary tradition. The Bramley apple remains the country’s best-known cooking apple and continues to be widely used in pies, crumbles, sauces and cider production.
Despite being named among the 50 most important historic trees in Britain, the original Bramley tree currently has no formal legal protection.
Campaigners hope to raise £250,000 through crowdfunding to secure the site for public use.
Supporters Call Tree a National Treasure
Artist Dan Llywelyn Hall, one of the founders of the campaign, said preserving the tree would send a wider message about protecting Britain’s historic natural landmarks.
He said: “Saving this tree for the nation sends a much wider message about preserving our ancient heritage trees and appreciating them like any cultural asset.
“If we can buy paintings for museums for enormous sums, why can’t we regard these natural wonders in the same way and give them proper care and dignity? It would be a great loss and a national embarrassment to miss this opportunity.”
Hall has painted the tree on several occasions and described it as a living part of British history.
How the Bramley Apple Became Britain’s Favourite Cooking Apple
The Bramley apple was first commercially sold in 1876 by local horticulturist Henry Merryweather, who recognised the fruit’s unique qualities. The apple later took its name from Matthew Bramley, who owned the cottage and tree at the time.
Merryweather successfully grafted cuttings from the original tree, allowing Bramley orchards to spread across Britain and internationally. Known for its sharp flavour and ability to retain texture when cooked, the Bramley became a staple of British kitchens and was once nicknamed the “King of Covent Garden” because of its popularity in London markets.
Today, Bramley apples are available throughout the year and remain commercially important to growers across the UK and abroad.
Tree Continues to Blossom After More Than Two Centuries
Celia Stevens, the great-granddaughter of Henry Merryweather and a supporter of the campaign, said the tree remains remarkable for its age and resilience.
Although parts of the tree have died back and it has survived attacks from honey fungus, it continues to produce blossom, fruit and fresh shoots.
Stevens said: “It is pretty unique for an apple tree to still be alive and flowering at well over 200 years old.
“It is the finest culinary apple this country has ever produced, and the fact it is still commercially viable is extraordinary in itself.”
She added that the tree had become internationally recognised, with Bramley enthusiasts travelling from countries including Japan to visit Southwell and celebrate its history.
“There is even a Bramley fan club,” she said.
Plans for Heritage Centre and Tourism
Nottingham Trent University has cared for the tree since purchasing the cottage in 2018 and has supported efforts to maintain its ageing branches.
Under the proposed plans, the property would become a heritage centre dedicated to the history of the Bramley apple and Britain’s fruit-growing traditions. A local business has also expressed support for managing visitor accommodation at the cottage to encourage tourism in the area.
The campaign follows a recent ceremonial planting of a cloned descendant of the original tree at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon, attended by visitors from Japan and UK-based Bramley supporters.
Preserving a Living Piece of British Heritage
Supporters say the campaign is about more than saving a single tree. They argue it represents an opportunity to protect an enduring symbol of Britain’s agricultural and culinary identity.
Stevens said: “How many things remain commercially successful after more than 150 years? The Bramley has earned our respect for what it has given this country.
“It’s a special tree, and it would be wonderful if more people understood its story.”
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