Geoffrey Chaucer

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Geoffrey Chaucer

Geoffrey Chaucer was born between the years 1340 and 1345 to John Chaucer and Agnes de Copton. He was born in London in the Chaucer’s house in Upper Thames Street (Catholic). John Chaucer had connections with the courts and helped educate Geoffrey. As Chaucer grew up, he served as a page in the house of Countess of Ulster. Afterward, he took his place in the army under the command of Prince Lionel, third son of King Edward III. While fighting the French, Chaucer was captured in Rethel and ransomed for 16 pounds. After the war ended in 1360 with the Treaty of Bretigny, Chaucer returned to England where he became the page for King Edward III.
Chaucer married Philippa Roet, daughter of Sir Paon de Roet, in 1366 (www.librarius.com). Chaucer and Philippa’s first born son was Thomas, born in 1367. Thomas later became the speaker of the House of Commons. His older sister, Elizabeth, enter the Barking Abbey as a novice, with Philippa’s brother-in-law, the Duke of Gaunt, providing 50 pounds as her religious dowry. The youngest, Lewis, died while very young.
Chaucer served as a valettus and later as a squire in the court of Edward III. He was “hired” on June 20, 1367 and was granted a payment of 20 marks per annum for life. During these times, he was also employed on many diplomatic missions. In 1368, he was sent to France on a diplomatic mission for the King (www.britianexpress.com). Less than a year later, he was back in France. This time he was fighting in John of Gaunt’s army.
In 1372, Chaucer was sent on another diplomatic mission. This time, he was sent to Italy. His orders were to go to Genoa to establish an English port for Genoese trade and to Florence to negotiate a loan for the King. Later, he was appointed Controller of the Customs for hides, skins, and wools in the port of London. For his services, the King rewards him by granting him a pitcher of wine per day for life. Also, he is granted an a...