This is a late desert apple, best left on the tree as long as possible then stored for eating between December and March. It has a distinctive shape with broad shoulders narrowing down to the apex and an attractive well coloured skin which can be almost three quarters flushed dark red. The flesh is firm and juicy with a rich, distinctive flavour and can also be used, thinly sliced, to top apple tarts. It was first introduced in the late 1800’s and quickly became popular but is now rarely found outside of estate orchards and private gardens.

The parent tree was found growing near to the edge of a field in the village of Beadlam, close to Kirkbymoorside. The ground was originally an orchard before houses were built along the road side and the fruit trees removed to provide land for crops and grazing. This tree probably survived because it is at the very edge of the field close to the boundary of the gardens. The current owner of the land did not even realise that the apple tree was still there until someone asked if they could use the fruit that was lying unused on the ground.