Shillaker’s Seedling?
May 3, 2008 by fruitforum
I am interested in a Victorian gardener from Rutland. We have discovered that he may have been responsible for an apple seeding and would like some information about it.
The variety is Shillaker’s Seedling. I have done an internet search and tried our local libraries but so far my searches have been fruitless. I presume it will be documented somewhere.
Sarah Adamson
According to the ‘National Apple Register of the UK ‘Shillaker’s Seedling was exhibited from Stamford, Lincolnshire in 1889, this being the only record. Stamford lies on the Lincs/Rutland border, and immediately adjacent is Burghley House, the seat of the Marquess of Exeter. If Mr Shillaker was ever connected with Burghley there could be some record there.
The Stamford Community Orchard Group list this as one of their local lost varieties, and may know a little more about its history.
http://www.scog-web.org.uk/varieties.html