Geoffrey Chaucer is widely recognized as one of the greatest English poets and often referred to as the Father of English Literature. Born around 1343, likely in London, Chaucer's exact birth date is uncertain. His family was of the mercantile class; his father, John Chaucer, was a prosperous wine merchant.
Chaucer's early education was probably at St. Paul’s Cathedral School, where he learned Latin and possibly some Greek. His later education might have included a stint at the Inner Temple, one of London’s legal societies, though there's no concrete evidence of this. By his early twenties, Chaucer was already in service, likely as a page in the household of Elizabeth de Burgh, Countess of Ulster, who was married to Lionel of Antwerp, a son of King Edward III.
Chaucer’s career saw him rise through the ranks of the English royal court, serving in various capacities:
Chaucer's literary contributions are extensive:
Chaucer wrote at a time when the English language was evolving from Middle English to Early Modern English. His use of the vernacular rather than Latin or French helped to standardize English and made literature more accessible to a broader audience. His influence on later poets like William Shakespeare and Edmund Spenser is profound, with his narrative techniques and character development setting a precedent for English literature.
Geoffrey Chaucer died on October 25, 1400, and was buried in Westminster Abbey, which later became known as Poets' Corner.