Bramley Apple ‘Mother’ Tree Rescue Fund

Planted from a pip in 1805 planted by Mary Ann Brailsford, The Bramley was introduced by Henry Merryweather of Southwell in 1876.  The tree is in the garden of Apiary House in Church Street, Southwell.

However, Mary moved out of the house after she was married so may never have seen the fruit produced.  She did not live to see the fame of the Bramley Apple, which was first sold by Henry Merryweather in 1876, and was named after a later owner of the house and tree, Matthew Bramley.

The apple nicknamed ‘the King of Covent Garden’ was the only cooking apple available all year round. Its natural acidity provides dishes with the distinctive tangy Bramley flavour. 

In 2002 the Queen’s Golden Jubilee cited the original tree as one of the 50 Great British Trees in recognition of its national heritage and again in 2022 for Platinum Jubilee the Bramley was one of 70 Ancient Trees to be dedicated to The Queen.

Artist Dan Llywelyn Hall and granddaughter of Henry Merryweather, Celia Stevens would like to raise a fund that would support the tree in in its final years so that it can be admired and enjoyed for as long as possible. The funds will help purchase a better support structure, and information panel and a maintenance programme for the years to come.

The fund will do the following:

1. Create immediate tree survey and follow out ground work to remove vegetation and Honey Fungus, currently proliferating.

2. Improve support structures to limbs to prevent any collapse.

3. Install an information panel for visitor experience, outlining rich history of tree.

4. Contribute to ongoing landscaping programme and garden improvement making appropriate to a tree of such stature

5. Negotiate better public access and awareness of tree. The site is presently locked and inaccessible.

In support of the campaign Delia Smith said:

I could not live in a country that could not supply me with Bramley apples.

I have recipes for Bramley apples where nothing else will do. The tart

flavour is unique, so is the fluffiness. I love them just as they are cored,

brushed with butter and very slowly baked in the oven with just a slit

around the waist. For the best concentrated apple flavour, no other recipe

can match this one.

BID ON THE PAINTINGS TO HELP THE FUND HERE

Above: Swansong of Mother Bramley, charcoal and acrylic on canvas, 2024 BID HERE

ABOVE: Henry's Return to Mother Bramley, charcoal and acrylic on canvas, 2024 HERE