It's one of the 'thorns', crataegus prunifolia, by the leaf. Similar is the "Cockspur Thorn", crataegus crus-galli, which has spectacularly lethal thorns. Phil

Oooooo! Isn't it lovely :o)))

Crataegus x prunifolia 'Splendens' ....to give it it's full name I guess.

Thanks Phil and Steve, shall google it and have a good read, the colour is a lot brighter than the photos, a real beauty, I would love one in my garden if I could keep it small.
It is Ladye, one that you really notice....:o)

Janey - you CAN have one in your garden, and keep it small! Find the smallest specimen you can, and put it into a pot into which it will just fit. I've done this with many small trees - pruning the branches to shape, and pruning the roots most Springs. I've often dug up tree seedlings and potted them up and given them this treatment. I call them "bonsai" but don't wire them or train them at all. It's a great way to enjoy trees at close quarters when there's not enough room in the garden for the full-size version.

It does look like Crataegus prunifolia as Phil says. The ones at work have vicious thorns!

That's a great idea Sheila....thanks for that! Years ago I used to faff around with Bonsai, in fact the silver birch we have now had been one and I tipped it out of the dish into the garden...it's now nearly as tall as the roof!
I'm looking forward to giving your idea a go, I could always start it from a berry...:o))
Thanks Fractal....shall watch out for them!

It is a stunner isn't it, much nicer than my bog-standard pink blossomed hawthorn. A berry good idea to grow one from seed. I saw one in the woods yesterday and took a photo, it had even more berries, wish I'd thought of grabbing a few. If I re-visit Erddig soon I'll remember to get some.

Oooh, Erddig! Ben there and like it. Is that massive Taxodium still there?

Janey, I've tried growing a few trees from seed, but they tend to take AGES to germinate. However, maybe you're more patient than me . . . good luck! Mind you, I still can't resist trying, and grabbed a handful of spindle seeds the other day. I think it's called "the triumph of hope over experience" :o))

Maybe they just like to feel the cold of winter before getting going Shelia. Fractal yes it's still there, that is if you mean the one by the iron railings at the bottom of the hill on which the house stands. I met a lovely Lady (Margo) there last year who belongs to 'Friends of Erddig' she mentioned it and gave me the news website but I've lost it. Along with Caulke Abby in Derbyshire it's one of a very few places that have not been altered as the last inhabitant lived on without staff until they died when the trust took over.

Just to add a little, Erddig also has some splendid Beech but I noticed that some fine specimens along the pathway have been severely pruned. Probably the 'elf n' safety brigade.

Ah...might be a case of putting them in the fridge for a few weeks first Sheila and Heron...best thing would be to find a tiny seedling....going to have to go hunting with my microscope....what say you Watson??....:o))
I've just potted up some seeds of Kornus cousa Sheila sent from Amy....apparently they take a couple of years to germinate....so patience is a necessity....:o((

Erdigg sounds to be a wonderful place to visit Heron, I love old secret gardens with the atmosphere of years gone by and the ideas of the creator still there to see. Thinking of this has taken me back to a book I really enjoyed last winter...
The Savage Garden by Mark Mills.....a murder mystery set amongst an old Renaissance garden in Tuscany. The placing of the old Roman statues had great significance.....I would reccommend it....:o)

Great! Not only garden ideas, but now book recommendations too . . . I love it. Thanks Janey, I'll check my local library site pronto. :) Have you read "The Gardener" by Prue Leith? An excellent story about restoring an old park-cum-garden, plus middle-age romance!

No Sheila....I'll look out for that, I didn't know she'd written anything but cookery books....sounds a good read...:o)) Yes when winter comes, we can all recommend books to read...:o))