John Bossewell

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

John Bossewell (died 1580) was an English heraldic writer.[1]

Life[edit]

Bossewell was, on his own account, from the north of England, and a gentleman. He appears to have acted as a notary public.[2]

Works[edit]

As an antiquary devoted to heraldic study, Bossewell was a close follower of Gerard Legh. The first edition of his Workes of Armorie was published by Richard Totell in 1572, with a reprint in 1597. The first part, entitled "Concordes", is an abridgement of Legh's Accedens of Armory. Like Legh, he covered symbolism and allegory, conceits and fables.[2]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Day, J. F. R. "Bossewell, John". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/2938. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  2. ^ a b Stephen, Leslie, ed. (1886). "Bossewell, John" . Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 5. London: Smith, Elder & Co.

Attribution

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domainStephen, Leslie, ed. (1886). "Bossewell, John". Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 5. London: Smith, Elder & Co.