Synonyms: Brown Bessie
Originally a culinary pear so its large russetted fruits can also be used in the kitchen. Common in South Gloucestershire, where it was often called Gloucester Brown.
The pears originally in the National Collection and illustrated in Charles Martell’s book were not incorrect and now renamed Tirley Brown. The error was corrected in 2011, but any Brown Bessed sourced from the National Collection, Bulmers or John Worle between 1993 and 2011 are likely to be Tirley Brown.
Status: Not endangered