Francis Coles (d. 1680; fl. 1626–1680)
Francis Coles, Coules, or Cowles, bookseller 1626–1681; in the Old Bailey; at the Halfe Bowle in the Old Bailey; at the Lamb in the Old Bailey; in Wine Street, on Saffron Hill, near Hatton Garden; over against the Cock in Vine Street, near Hatton Garden; in Vine Street, on Saffron Hill.
A Dictionary of the Booksellers and Printers who were at Work in England, Scotland and Ireland from 1641 to 1667, by Henry Plomer (1907)
COLES, COULES, or COWLES (FRANCIS), bookseller in London, (1) In the Old Bailey; (2) At the halfe-bowle in the Old Bailey; (3) Lamb, in the Old Bailey; (4) Wine Street, near Hatton Garden. 1626–81. Took up his freedom July 1st, 1624. [Arber, iii. 685.] Chiefly celebrated as a publisher of ballads, in which he was associated with T. Bates, W. Gilbertson, T. Vere, and Jo. Wright. His ballads were invariably illustrated with curious woodcuts. He was also associated with Lawrence Blaiklock in publishing the news-sheet called The Perfect Diurnal. It is likely that there was more than one publisher of this name and that the above imprints may refer to father and son.