John Gerard and his 'Herbal'

Last Thursday evening Graham Dodd gave us another of his excellent talks at an Audlem History Society meeting.

This time the subject was John Gerrard (1545-1612) a local man, born in Nantwich, who was a Herbalist who gained much of his knowledge from the fields and lanes surrounding his home.

Although John spent his formative years in Nantwich he moved to London and did not return. He joined the Barbers – Surgeons Company in 1598 and he then started a career as a Surgeon rather than a Botanist. He then went on to travel abroad where he gleaned some of his knowledge of plants and herbs. He later settled in London where he had his own garden.

He made several famous acquaintances including Walter Raleigh who introduced several herbs to this country from the Americas. It was also very likely that Gerard knew William Shakespeare, who we believe used Gerard's plant names, particularly Ladysmock in his writings.

The Talk was illustrated with numerous slides and as usual Graham s research was first class. His talk was well received by a large audience of members and visitors.

Nantwich Museum have an illustrated leaflet with information about John Gerard the local Herbalist who became famous in the 16th and 17th Centuries.

Ian Jones
History Society Member