Uk; raised 1858 by W. Bull, farmer at Billericay, Essex. Exhibited 180 by nurseryman William Saltmarsh, Chelmsford. RHS FCC 1880.
Cooks to bright yellow puree, sharp, well flavoured, juicy, translucent; sharper than golden noble. Makes good 'baked apple'. Formerly widely planted in gardens, especially in Essex, where it remains popular.
Given to us as a 'Hertfordshire' apple, but unidentified for several years. When the young tree bore fruit it was identified by Michael Clarke of Tewin orchard as 'Queen' - an Essex apple! It seems that it can be mistaken for the once lost 'Hitchin Pippin', especially when tree fruits are immature.