John Bossewell

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

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

Works 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.