Medieval Fruit Varieties
Variety: Black Worcester (1575)
Notes:
Origin uncertain, but one of the oldest pears in cultivation. Appears on the coat of arms of Worcester and was grown there before 1575 when Queen Elizabeth I saw it at Whystone Farm. Possibly the same as French cultivar 'de Livre' and may even date from Roman times.l Tree vigorous, spreading, reliable and heavy cropping. Fruit never softens for dessert use, needs clow cooking for 1-2 hours. Many plants still exist in England. -- Arbury 1997