The Accedens of Armorie

The Accedens of Armorie is a book by Gerard Legh, published in 1562, that deals with heraldry. Heraldry is the science and art of hereditary symbols used to distinguish individuals, armies, and institutions. These symbols, known as armorial bearings or coats of arms, originated as identification devices on flags and shields.12

Heraldry developed as a means of identification, particularly in medieval warfare where distinguishing friend from foe was crucial. While early heraldry was simple, it evolved into more intricate designs with esoteric significance. The book The Accedens of Armorie, along with others from the 16th century, is noted for perpetuating nonsensical natural history and erroneous beliefs about the symbolic meanings of heraldic charges.21