History of the Hawkridge apple

Robert Hogg wrote that Hawkridge “is a very popular apple in East Sussex especially around Hailsham, Heathfield and those parts where it is met with in almost every orchard and garden” (Hogg 1851). The origin is Hawkridge Farm, Hellingly, near Hailsham.

It is currently cultivated as part of Brighton Permaculture Trust’s National Collection in Stanmer Park, Brighton. You can see a Hawkridge apple tree (planted 2009) in Home Farm Orchard, Stanmer Park ( map).

Description of fruit

Hawkridge is a medium sized apple. The shape is intermediate to flat, retangular to convex, prominent ribs on body and at eye. The skin is golden yellow with pale red stripes, flushed a dark bright crimson with darker stripes. The flavour is sweet and sometimes described as balsamic.

Season of use

An early September apple, it can be stored until October.

Tree habit

The Hawkridge is a vigorous upright tree

Flowering and pollination

Flowering day: F12

How to identify a Hawkridge apple

Apples can be identified by sending them to the National Fruit Collection at Brogdale or by bringing a sample to Apple Day Brighton, where an expert pomologist will be on hand to identify apples. From each tree, bring three or more ripe fruits and a shoot with representative leaves.

Where to buy a Hawkridge apple tree

Please contact us for details of our supplier for Sussex apple varieties.