A sapling propagated from a famous apple tree has been planted in North Cornwall.

The sapling comes from the very tree that is said to inspired Sir Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity in the 17th century.

Blue Diamond garden centres auctioned 10 saplings to help raise funds for Woolsthorpe Manor which is looked after by the National Trust in Lincolnshire.

The manor was the birthplace of Newton, and the Flower of Kent apple tree that inspired him is still in the grounds.

In 1666, the mathematician posed 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 as well as conservation of the grounds and property.

Alison and James Abbott wanted to bring a piece of Newton’s heritage to the parish of St Minver.

They successfully bid for one of the saplings and it has now been planted at their Shilla Mill property in Polzeath. North Cornwall MP Scott Mann attended the planting ceremony.

Alison and James hope that visitors to the area will be inspired to visit the tree and learn the story of its heritage against the mill’s own historic backdrop. They plan to open a tearoom at the mill in the spring.