1. By Jordan Potter

2.  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.

3.   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.

4.   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

5.   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

6.   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

7.   "The Life of Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343-1400) [Chaucer Biography]." The Life of Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343-1400) [Chaucer Biography]. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Sept. 2012.. Work Cited