The Apple Library: Preserving Britain's Lost Apple Varieties

The "apple library" at Brogdale Farms in Kent, UK, is a fascinating living repository of over 2,000 apple varieties, preserving the rich history of British apple cultivation. 

This collection includes not only well-known apples like Cox's Orange Pippin but also obscure and rare varieties that have fallen out of favor in commercial production due to the rise of newer, more commercially viable apple breeds.

Founded over 100 years ago, the collection's original purpose was to support British apple breeders and growers. Today, it serves as a vital resource for scientists studying the genetics of apples. 

Due to apples not breeding true from seed, grafting has been used for centuries to preserve desirable apple varieties. This method has resulted in trees that are clones of their progenitors, some of which may date back to Roman times.

While the commercial apple industry in the UK has declined, with most apples now imported from abroad, the collection at Brogdale provides a living record of the diversity of apples once grown in Britain. 

Researchers are also using the collection to trace the genetic lineage of apples, uncovering surprising relationships between varieties, such as the connection between the Cox's Orange Pippin and ancient cultivars from France.

This orchard is not just a historical archive but a vital part of ongoing efforts to map the genealogy of apples, offering insights into their evolution and the long-standing cultural significance of apples in the UK.