Transcript

of

Tom Putt Apples

Devon & Cornwall Notes and Queries vol. VII, (1912-1913), Exeter: James G. Commin. 1913, p. 64.

by

F. Rose-Troup, & A.J.P.S.

Prepared by Michael Steer

Both Note authors respond to an enquiry on page 47 of this volume. 'Tom Putt' is a traditional variety of dual purpose apple, often used as a cider apple, originating in Devon. It was also known as Ploughman, Coalbrook, Marrowbone, Thomas Jeffreys and by many other local names. Tom Putt was grown widely across Devon and Somerset for many years, in gardens as well as orchards, leading to it being nicknamed the "Cottage Apple". Although due to this wide propagation it is now somewhat variable in form it is usually a red-streaked apple of medium size. It is an early-bearing triploid variety, classed as a "sharp" type under the usual classification of cider apples. Although primarily a cider apple, Tom Putt can also be used as a cooking or eating apple. The article, from a copy of a rare and much sought-after journal can be downloaded from the Internet Archive. Google has sponsored the digitisation of books from several libraries. These books, on which copyright has expired, are available for free educational and research use, both as individual books and as full collections to aid researchers.

Note 37. TOM PUTT APPLES (VII., p. 47, par. 25). - These apples are said to have been named from Thomas Putt of Combe in Gittisham, who was born in 1722 and died in 1787. He was nicknamed " Black Tom." He was the son of Raymondo Putt. A portrait of Thomas Putt hangs in the dining-room of Coombe, which is now the residence of Richard Marker, Esq., a descendant of Margaret Putt, niece of "Tom Putt."
                                                       F. ROSE-TROUP

Note 38. TOM PUTT APPLE (VII., p. 47, par. 25). - I have always understood that this apple took its name from the Rev. Thomas Putt, of Combe, Gittisham, near Honiton (son of Raymando Putt), born 1757, Rector of Farway, 1789, and of Trent, Somerset, 1802, to whom there are memorial inscriptions in Farway and Gittisham Churches.
       Or, it may have been from his cousin the Rev. Thomas Putt (son of the Rev. William Putt of Combe), born 1775, Rector of Combe Rawleigh 1817.
       The present representative of the Putt family is Richard Marker, Esq., J. P., of Combe, through the marriage of his grandfather, the Rev. Henry Marker, twenty-one years Vicar of Aylesbeare, died 1811, aged 45, with Margaret, died 1846, aged 80 (see M. I. Aylesbeare Church), third daughter and eventual heiress of the Rev. William     Putt, of Combe. She was the last representative of Nicholas Putt, who purchased Combe in 1614 of Sir Henry Beaumont.
       Nicholas Putt married at Otterton in 1616, as his second wife, Margaret, third daughter of Richard Duke, of Otterton.
                                                                 A.J.P.S.