A 20th Century Apple Store
Leavesden Apple Store was originally built as a “steeping room” for soaking dirty clothes and bedding in disinfectant. Later on it was used for storing apples.
It was built at Leavesden Mental Hospital in 1904 for £160.
The hospital was going to be knocked down so the Museum rescued the store and created an apple orchard around it.
The structure is built of wood on a brick base. The louvres (wooden slats) allowed the air to circulate to dry clothes and preserve apples. There is a hole in one wall where two large metal tanks inside the store could be drained.
What Types of Apples are Grown at COAM?
The Museum grows 20 different heritage apple varieties across the site including Bazeley, Langley Pippin, Bedfordshire Foundling, Hubbard’s Pearmain and Laxtons Superb.
During harvest, the Museum’s apples are picked and made into apple juice which is sold in the Museum shop.