The Names of Herbes, authored by William Turner in 1548, stands as a pioneering work in the field of British botany. Turner, often hailed as the “father of British botany,” sought to provide a comprehensive catalog of plants using their vernacular English names, alongside their Greek, Latin, German, and French equivalents. This multilingual approach aimed to bridge the gap between scholarly and practical botanical knowledge, especially for apothecaries and herbalists who were often unfamiliar with classical languages. The work is notable for its inclusion of over 100 plant species, many of which were recorded for the first time in England, along with their common names used by herbalists and apothecaries.​

The publication of The Names of Herbes was a significant departure from the traditional reliance on Latin and Greek in botanical texts. By using English, Turner made botanical knowledge more accessible to a broader audience, particularly those engaged in the practical application of herbs in medicine. His work not only cataloged plant names but also served as a precursor to more detailed herbals, laying the groundwork for future botanical studies in England. Despite its importance, the book is exceedingly rare today, with fewer than ten copies known to exist, partly due to its humble format and the tumultuous periods during which Turner faced exile.​

In 1881, an edited version of The Names of Herbes was published by James Britten, which included an introduction, an index of English names, and an identification of the plants enumerated by Turner. This edition aimed to make Turner’s work more accessible to contemporary readers and scholars. The 1881 edition is available online through the Wellcome Collection and the Biodiversity Heritage Library, providing valuable insights into the historical context and significance of Turner’s contributions to botany.​

The Names of Herbes remains a testament to William Turner’s dedication to advancing botanical knowledge and his innovative approach to making such information accessible to a wider audience. His work not only contributed to the scientific understanding of plants but also played a crucial role in the development of English-language botanical literature. Today, it serves as a valuable resource for historians of science, herbalists, and anyone interested in the early history of botany in Britain.