Isaac Newton apple tree saplings auction raises more than £30k
6th October 2023
The auction of 10 saplings from the direct descendant of the apple tree that inspired Sir Isaac Newton’s Theory of Gravity, has now closed and has raised more than £30,000.
Blue Diamond Garden Centres, who have already committed to giving £1 million to the National Trust over 3 years, ran the auction and have been overwhelmed by the level of interest.
The tree at Newton’s birthplace, Woolsthorpe Manor, is said to be the one from which an apple fell and caused Newton to ask the question: ‘Why do apples always fall straight down to the ground?’
The tree first put down roots around 400 years ago and people have travelled to visit it as Newton’s Apple Tree for at least the past 240 years.
A portion of the money raised from the auction will fund new fencing around the tree at Woolsthorpe Manor, as well as conservation of the grounds and property.
The winners of the auction have been notified and invited to attend a formal presentation of the saplings at Woolsthorpe Manor later this month.
Blue Diamond and the National Trust would like to thank everyone who bid in this auction, helping this historically significant and special tree to live on for future generations to enjoy.