Geoffrey Chaucer

Lore & Background

Geoffrey Chaucer was born in London, most likely in the early 1340s, though the precise date and location remain unknown. His father, John Chaucer, was an important wine merchant with a royal appointment; his great-grandfather was a tavern keeper, and his grandfather a purveyor of wines. In 1324, John Chaucer was kidnapped by an aunt in an attempt to keep Ipswich property in the family, and the aunt was imprisoned and fined £250. John married Agnes Copton, who inherited properties in 1349, including 24 shops in London. Chaucer's surname derives from the French chaucier, referring to a maker of shoes, boots, or chausses.

Chaucer's career is well documented, with nearly 500 written items testifying to his life. In 1357, he became a page to Elizabeth de Burgh, Countess of Ulster, through his father's connections. He travelled with Lionel of Antwerp as part of the English army in 1359 during the Hundred Years' War, was captured at the siege of Reims in 1360, and the king paid £16 for his ransom. Around 1366 he married Philippa (de) Roet, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Philippa of Hainault. He became a member of the royal court as a valet de chambre in 1367, and in 1374 obtained the appointment as Comptroller of the Customs for the port of London, a position he held for twelve years. He also served as Clerk of the King's Works from 1389 to 1391.

Reader's Guide

Geoffrey Chaucer is a pivotal figure in English literature, primarily for his role in legitimising the literary use of Middle English at a time when Anglo-Norman French and Latin dominated. His contemporary Thomas Hoccleve hailed him as 'the firste fyndere of our fair langage'. Almost two thousand English words are first attested in Chaucerian manuscripts. His best-known work, The Canterbury Tales, remains a cornerstone of English literary heritage. Beyond poetry, Chaucer composed the scientific A Treatise on the Astrolabe and maintained a career in public service as a bureaucrat, courtier, diplomat, and member of Parliament. His burial in Westminster Abbey established what became Poets' Corner, cementing his legacy as a foundational writer. His works, including The Book of the Duchess, Troilus and Criseyde, and The House of Fame, continue to be studied for their linguistic, historical, and literary significance.

Did You Know?

• Chaucer was the first writer to be buried in what has since become Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey.
• He composed A Treatise on the Astrolabe for his ten-year-old son, Lewis.
• Almost two thousand English words are first attested in Chaucerian manuscripts.
• In 1360, Chaucer was captured during the siege of Reims, and the king paid £16 for his ransom.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Ful craftier to pley she was Than Athalus, that made the game First of the ches: so was his name." — Geoffrey Chaucer "Soun is noght but air y-broken, And every speche that is spoken, Loud or privee, foul or fair, In his substaunce is but air; For as flaumbe is but lighted smoke, Right so soun is air y-broke." — Geoffrey Chaucer "Now purs, that be to me my lyves light, And saveour, as doun in this worlde here, Out of this toune help me through your might." — Geoffrey Chaucer "For I am shave as nye as any frere.

But yit I pray un-to youre curtesye: Beth hevy ageyn, or elles mot I die." — Geoffrey Chaucer