Colourful synonyms for this variety include Stinking Bishop, Malvern Pear and Choke Pear. From wild pears, originating in the Forest of Dean in the Wye Valley, this particular variety of pear was grafted by local farmers as early as the 1400s. While otherwise inedible, its use in making an alchoholic beverage was mentioned in John Gerard's ‘The Herball or Generall Historie of Plantes' [sic] published in 1597. In historical times it was safer to drink a fermented beverage than the local pond or river water.
Produces a high quality perry. Medium sized, greenish-yellow fruit with yellow flesh. Bittersharp pear.
Pollination Group: Generally any other European pear tree.
Reference (accessed 7/4/15)
