_Error in Winstanley's Loyal Martyrology_.--Winstanley, in _The Loyall
Martyrology_ (London, printed by Thomas Mabb, 1665), p. 67., says of
Master Gerard, the author of that elaborate herbal which bears his
name--"This gallant gentleman, renowned for arts and arms, was likewise
at the storming of that (Basing) House unfortunately slain." According
to Johnson, who edited his Herbal in 1633, Gerard was born at Namptwich,
in Cheshire, in the year 1545; and died about 1607. Basing House was
stormed Oct. 1645: had Gerard served there, he would have been 100 years
old. It appears that Winstanley has confounded Gerard with his editor
Thomas Johnson above mentioned, who was killed during the siege of
Basing House, anno 1644. (See Fuller's _Worthies_, vol. iii. p. 422.
edit. 1840. London.)