Geoffrey Chaucer
Britain’s First Author
English 12
October 9, 2009
SOL: 12.1-7
Early Years
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Chaucer was believed to be born in 1343
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He may have attended Oxford or Cambridge
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Official records give some biographical details
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Captured in France (1359) during war
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King paid sixteen-pound ransom for release
Family
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Married Philippa Pan in 1366 or 1368
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Wife was a lady-in-waiting to the queen
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Had two sons, possibly a daughter
Career
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Made a comfortable living as a civil servant
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A dozen diplomatic missions to Flanders, France and Italy (1368-87)
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Negotiated marriage between Richard II and daughter of the French King
– Also served as customs official, “Knight of the Shire” and keeper of the Royal Forest - this spot was an important post in Parliament.
Early Poet
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Began writing in his twenties
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Based early works using style of other European poets
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Was one of Britain’s first poets to publish in English
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Considered the “People’s Poet”
Chaucer’s Legacy
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Considered the Father of English poetry in his lifetime
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Even 600 years later, his works are still in print
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Chaucer is buried in Westminster Abbey
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Chaucer’s tomb is the centerpiece of “Poet’s Corner”

The Canterbury Tales
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Written in his later years
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Intended to write 124 tales before his death
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The 24 tales stand as a complete work
• Considered one of Britain’s literary treasures
British Society in the Tales
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Story centers on pilgrimage to Canterbury.
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The church was the center of religion for Britain
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Sacred ground after the assassination of Thomas Becket in 1170
What the Tales Provide
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A cross-section of British life
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Almost all walks of life represented
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Chaucer’s contempt for church is apparent
THE END