Geoffrey Chaucer: A Detailed Biography

Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343–1400) was the English poet, author, and courtier regarded as the “Father of English Literature”. His masterpiece The Canterbury Tales — vivid stories told by pilgrims — brought Middle English to artistic heights and portrayed every level of 14th-century society. Diplomat, soldier, and civil servant, he wrote in the vernacular when French and Latin dominated. This biography covers his London childhood, court career, Italian influence, major works, and lasting impact, as documented by the Encyclopaedia Britannica, the British Library, and the Chaucer Bibliography Online.

Early Life in London

Wine Merchant’s Son

Born around 1343 in London to wine merchant John Chaucer and Agnes Copton. Captured as soldier in France (1359), ransomed by Edward III. Became page in the household of Elizabeth, Countess of Ulster, as detailed by the History Today.

Courtier and Diplomat

Rose rapidly: esquire to Edward III, diplomat to Genoa and Florence (1372–1373) where he likely encountered Petrarch and Boccaccio. Married Philippa Roet (sister-in-law to John of Gaunt) c. 1366; two sons (Thomas, Lewis). Controller of customs in London (1374–1386), MP for Kent (1386), as documented by the UK Parliament.

Italian Influence and Early Works

Italian journeys inspired The House of Fame, The Parliament of Fowls, and Troilus and Criseyde (1380s) — adapted from Boccaccio. Translated Boethius’s Consolation of Philosophy, as preserved by the British Library.

The Canterbury Tales (c. 1387–1400)

Chaucer’s masterpiece — 24 tales (of planned 120) told by pilgrims travelling to Canterbury. Frame narrative inspired by Boccaccio’s Decameron. Vivid characters from knight to miller, tales in verse and prose, as preserved by the British Library and the Harvard Chaucer Pages.

Personal Life

Marriage to Philippa was advantageous but distant (she was often at court). After her death (c. 1387) Chaucer lived alone. Known for wit, love of books, and astronomical knowledge (Treatise on the Astrolabe for son Lewis).

Death and Legacy

Geoffrey Chaucer’s Enduring Impact

Chaucer died on October 25, 1400, possibly of illness. Buried in Westminster Abbey — first poet in Poets’ Corner. His use of Middle English helped standardise the language. The Canterbury Tales remains one of the greatest works in English literature, adapted countless times, as celebrated by the National Geographic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Geoffrey Chaucer

Why Is Geoffrey Chaucer Famous?

For The Canterbury Tales and making English a literary language.

Did Chaucer Finish The Canterbury Tales?

No — only 24 of planned 120 tales.

Where Was Geoffrey Chaucer Born?

London, c. 1343.

What Language Did Chaucer Write In?

Middle English — helped standardise it.

Was Chaucer Involved in Politics?

Yes — diplomat, MP, customs controller.

Did Chaucer Meet Petrarch or Boccaccio?

Possibly in Italy — heavily influenced by Boccaccio.

How Did Geoffrey Chaucer Die?

Unknown illness October 25, 1400, aged ~57.