By Jordan Potter
Early Life Born in 1343 Son to John and Agnes The name “Chaucer” came from a Latin word meaning shoemaker, however his father was a vintner. Lived on Thames Street in London, England. Went to St. Paul’s Cathedral School, where he was introduced to the writings of Virgil and Ovid.
In 1357, he became a public servant to Countess Elizabeth of Ulster. In 1359, he went to fight in the Hundred Years’ War. While he was stationed at Rethel, he was taken prisoner. Due to his connections in the English court, King Edward III paid a ransom of 16 pounds to free him. In 1366 he married Phillipa Roet, which gave him favor to some English officials.
After his release, Chaucer joined the Royal Service, traveling across Europe on diplomatic missions for which he received a pension. In 1368 he became on of King Edward III’s esquires. He was heavily involved with the English court, and lived very comfortably as a result Public Service
From a young age Chaucer was exposed to writers at his school. When he went abroad in 1370, he studied the writings of Dante and Petrarch. Although he was heavily involved in public service, his true passion was poetry. Writing Influences
After his wife died he stopped receiving his pension. Before he died, his pension was eventually reinstated, and he was given the position of Clerk of the Works. He died in 1400 in London, and was buried at Westminster Abbey. Later Life
"The Life of Geoffrey Chaucer (c ) [Chaucer Biography]." The Life of Geoffrey Chaucer (c ) [Chaucer Biography]. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Sept Work Cited