It is said that Isaac Newton formulated his famous law of universal gravitation after witnessing an apple fall from a tree. People now often wonder if that particular tree, usually referred to as the ‘Newton Apple Tree,’ is still alive. The answer is yes, it is! It has been over 350 years since the tree first grew and is one of the oldest apple trees in existence.
The apple tree has seen more than a few changes over its lifetime. It has stood at Woolsthorpe Manor in Lincolnshire, England; a site now owned and managed by the National Trust. In an attempt to contain the tree’s spread, it was once even completely surrounded by a brick wall! Local records indicate that the tree was planted in the 17th century and became an established part of the garden in 1670.
Not only is the tree said to be the tree from which the apple fell, but the apples produced from it have also been used to make special desserts. Notably, in the 1920s, a “Newton Pippin tart” was created by William Dalmer, who was one of the Manor’s gardeners. You can still find this same recipe in many English format cookbooks.
The tree has had some horticultural care over the years, as it is not likely to have survived without some attention. In 1820, it was reported that the tree had been given a major renovation and renovation. In 1895, the wool sthorpe manor groundskeeper John Handley offered further assistance, pruning, and wrapping the tree in straw and twine. In addition, in 1937, the past Woolsthorpe Manor gardener William Dalmer repotted the tree.
Unfortunately, due to its advanced age, the tree is not in the best health and is not expected to live much longer. Since being first planted, the tree has experienced a number of pests and diseases, including heavy infestations of aphids and apple scab. To keep the tree alive as long as possible, locals and the local council decided to construct an irrigation system and a shelter for the tree to protect it from the elements.
The Newton Apple Tree remains one of the most peculiar and well known trees in the world. Its survival has been an inspiration to many, as it has been alive for centuries and has seen a variety of changes – all while keeping up with its renowned status as the apple that inspired Newton himself.
The Effects of Nature On The Tree
The centuries old Newton Apple Tree has weathered a number of natural changes since being planted at Woolsthorpe Manor. Human intervention has helped to preserve the tree and continue to offer shelter from the outdoor elements. Nonetheless, the historic tree has seen quite a few drastic weather changes, along with the expected exposure to pests and diseases.
The ever-present pests and diseases arriving to the area are a major factor for the tree’s continued health. Even with careful care, the tree is subject to the fluctuating climate within the United Kingdom. From the temperatures of summer to the cold and wet months of winter, the apple tree has endured its fair share of wild weather patterns.
Harsh weather and pests are by no means unique to the area. The same fate can befall any apple tree planted outdoors. However, considering the Newton Apple Tree’s longtime existence, it is quite remarkable that the tree can still be found in the same spot where it was first planted centuries ago.
Despite its advanced age, the tree has proven surprisingly resilient thus far. It has endured a variety of winds, snow, and rain at its permanent home of Woolsthorpe Manor. The tree can also grow faster than expected given its age, leading locals to joke about its own longevity.
Still, given the Newton Apple Tree’s age, some worry about its continued survival. While human intervention and a safety net of local inspections and measurements of the tree’s health have been given, the tree is ultimately still susceptible to the ravages of nature and may not be able to preserve itself much longer.
History of the Tree
The Newton Apple Tree has a long and varied history dating back to the 17th century when it was first planted. Traces of this tree can be seen as early as 1670, as it became a staple feature at Woolsthorpe Manor. However, it was not officially reported as the same tree referred to in the Newton gravity story until 1912.
Although the tree became formally recorded as the legendary one in 1912, records from the area indicate that locals had stories of the tree as early as the early 19th century. From the 1830s onwards, visitors to the area wrote about their experiences at Woolsthorpe Manor, mentioning the tree in their stories.
Not only was the tree popular among visitors, but it even became a source of national pride. In the 1920s, the popular Newton Pippin tart dessert was created by William Dalmer, one of the Manor’s gardeners. Local and nationwide cookbooks soon picked up the recipe, further popularizing the tree.
The Newton Apple Tree has also established itself as a tourist destination. In 2021, the local council at Woolethorpe Manor opened a public walkway to the tree. Tourists, families, history buffs and scientists alike have flocked to view the supposed source of the Newton gravity theory.
The tree and its story have even been immortalized in art. Throughout the 19th and 20th century, the tree was featured in paintings and was mentioned in a variety of popular works of literature. Popular musicians and songwriters have written and performed songs referencing the historic tree.
It’s easy to see why the Newton Apple Tree has become well known—not just for its historic Newton gravity theory, but for its interesting history as well. It’s amazing to think that a tree planted centuries ago can still influence culture today!
Preservation despite Age
The Newton Apple Tree has survived 350 years of British weather, pests, and diseases. Still, the tree has been kept alive thanks to human intervention. The tree stands at Woolsthorpe Manor and is protected by a local council.
In 1895, the groundskeeper John Handley provided help to the tree by pruning its branches and wrapping them in straw and twine. In addition, in 1937, the past groundskeeper William Dalmer repotted the tree. Even with these interventions, the tree remains susceptible to pests and diseases, which still need to be monitored.
Not only is the tree protected by a local council and its head gardeners, but a number of visitors to the manor have also contributed to the tree’s continued survival. A number of visitors have assisted the tree in maintaining its roots and actively monitor for signs of distress.
Similarly, a number of organizations have sprung up to help with the tree’s preservation. The Royal Forestry Society and the Royal Horticultural Society both have chapters dedicated to the tree’s preservation. There are also a number of online initiatives dedicated to helping preserve the tree, such as crowdfunding campaigns and volunteering opportunities.
The Newton Apple Tree has managed to remain alive and upright despite its advanced age, largely thanks to human involvement. Whether it is local councils and gardeners or visitors and organizations, the tree has received a well of support that has kept it alive throughout the years.
Maintaining the Tree’s Legacy
Thanks to human preservation, the Newton Apple Tree has been able to successfully maintain its legacy. From its involvement in the Newton gravity story to its continued status as a tourist destination and historical landmark. The tree has been set in motion a number of ways to maintain its historic status.
Early on, a number of tourist sites wrote about the tree and its origin story, bringing the tree out of obscurity and into the public realm. As Woolsthorpe Manor became a tourist destination, the tree became increasingly popular, as people flocked to watch it in action.
Not only were tourists drawn to the tree, but the existing gardeners at Woolsthorpe Manor had new plans for the tree. A famous dessert was created from apples from the tree and cookbooks soon included the recipe. It was even featured in artwork and literature, further propelling the tree’s status.
When it comes to preserving the tree’s heritage, locals and tourists alike have been able to make a difference. A number of charity initiatives have been set up to help protect the tree and local volunteers have joined in on watering and pruning the tree.
The tree’s legacy is safe in the hands of these volunteers and initiatives, as they ensure that the tree is kept healthy and standing—propelling the tree’s story forward for years to come.
Continuing the Newton Apple Tree’s Legacy
The Newton Apple Tree’s legacy has been kept alive thanks to a number of initiatives in the area, from early tourist sites to present day organizations. Now, the tree is the focus of a variety of charity and volunteering projects, keeping the tree healthy and standing.
The Royal Forestry Society, the Royal Horticultural Society, local councils and charities have all made a positive impact on the tree’s health. In addition, school groups and local organizations have also taken part in raising funds and offering hands-on help for the Newton Apple Tree.
For locals and tourists alike, there has never been a better time to get involved in the tree’s future. Whether its joining in on local campaigns or taking part in gardening or pruning, locals and visitors can pitch in and do their part to keep the tree in shape.
The story of the Newton Apple Tree is unlikely to ever end—at least not in the foreseeable future. Through proactive initiatives and the help of local volunteers and visitors, the tree is set to continue its legacy as one of the most peculiar and inspiring trees in history.
