Pyrus communis ‘Windsor’
‘Fruit middle-sized, oblong, obovate, not either pyramidal or turbinate, being widest above its middle, tapering to the crown, and suddenly contracted towards the stalk, where it is slender; about three inches and a half long, and two inches and a quarter in diameter. Eye small, with a connivent calyx, prominently placed on the summit. Stalk an inch long, slender, convexly inserted without any cavity. Skin yellowish green, full of small green specks, becoming yellow when fully ripe, and tinged with orange on the sunny side. Flesh white, soft, with a little grit at the core, and a sugary astringent juice. Ripe the end of August and beginning of September.’ [George Lindley – Orchard Guide p.351/1831].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘According to Leroy this variety originated in Holland, and was published in 1771 under the name Hallemine Bonne by Knoop. In French gardens it received the name Madame. In England, Windsor is often called Cuisse Madame. A “Windsor,” which appears to be identical with the Windsor of Knoop, is described by English writers as early as 1629. Hogg quotes an English writer as saying, “It was raised from seed of the Cuisse Madame, by a person of the name of Williamson . . .” before 1750. Moreover, it is mentioned in 1592 as being cultivated about Naples, and 1563 in England. What the origin is appears indeterminable.’ [Pears of New York p.583].
Figured in the Pomona Britannica [PB pl.LXXX/1812], the illustration used here. Also figured in Le Jardin Fruitier du Muséum [JFM vol.1/1858].
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [Pear no.22/1850]. There is no diary entry for this pear.
Notes
Published May 18, 2010 - 05:00 PM | Last updated Jul 22, 2011 - 02:53 PM
Pear ‘Windsor’ | PB pl.LXXX/1812
| Family | Rosaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Garden origin, probably Holland |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Dessert Pear, late summer |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Windsor
|
| Confidence level | high |