Lane's Prince Albert

Cooker

UK; raised before 1841 by Thomas Squire of Berkhamstead, Herts. Believed to be Russet Nonpareil X Dumeford's Seedling. Introduced c.1850 by nureryman John Lane, Berkhamstead. Exhibited British Pomological Society, 1857. RHS FCC 1972.

Cooks to lemon coloured puree, brisk but not as strong as Bramley. Becomes sweeter, milder, but can be rather tough cooked.

Original tree transplanted 1841 by Squire to his front garden on the day that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert called at the King's Arms, Berkhamstead for charge of horses. He accordingly named his seedling Victoria and Albert. Tree regularly bore heavy crops but remained small and neat, impressing John Lane, who obtained grafts and introduced it as Lane's Prince Albert. The tree remained in the garden until 1938 when the house was demolished to make way for new buildings.

Popular garden apple by 1880's, also planted for market. Fruit bruises easily which led to its demise, but still highly prized by amateurs. Widely distributed throughout Europe; grown eastern Germany for juice and sharp eating apple in March.