LANES PRINCE ALBERT

Donated to the orchard by the Baptist Church in 1997 this apple originated in Berkhamsted in 1840.  It was raised in the garden of a Thomas Squire who transplanted it to his front garden when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited the town.  A grower in the town, John Lane, was impressed by the tree and introduced it in 1857 as Lane’s Prince Albert to commemorate the royal visit. 

The apples can be large, have green skin with flecks, or splashes of red and the flesh is white and juicy.  It ripens in early October when it can be used as a cooker but after storing it will become a good dessert apple.