A BLACK pear tree has been planted in the gardens of the Commandery in Worcester, keeping alive a fruitful 500 year-old tradition with roots reaching deep into English history.

Richard Shaw, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society (pictured on the left), was asked to perform the tree planting ceremony with David Nash, manager of the Commandery in Sidbury (centre) and head gardener Les Pearson (right) in the garden last Monday.

The black pear tree, like the Commandery itself, remains for many an emblem of Worcester's past. Both the grade I listed museum and the tree have roots dating back to before the Battle of Worcester on September 3, 1651.

Mr Shaw said: "The Black Pear tree was grown as far back as 1388 and was popular due to its quality of producing a very abundant, long lasting crop which would last all through the winter months.

"It was not a good eater, but made a very good stew. It was part of the provisions for King Henry V's troops at Agincourt (October 25, 1415) where the Worcestershire Bowmen carried banners depicting a Black Pear tree laden with fruit.

"When Queen Elizabeth I visited Worcester in August 1575 the city authorities had a Black Pear fruit laden tree transplanted at The Foregate in her honour.

"So admiring was she of the good management that had allowed the fruit to remain unlocked that she ordered "Three Pears Sable" to be added to the city's coat of arms.

So Worcester has obeyed that order ever since."