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Did you know? The ‘Father of English Poetry’ Geoffrey Chaucer is buried in Westminter Abbey

July 2024

Geoffrey Chaucer is buried in the south transept (or south cross) of Westminster Abbey, now known as Poets' Corner. As the author of The Canterbury Tales Chaucer is, next to Shakespeare, perhaps the most famous English poet, and has been called "The Father of English Poetry".

Image credit: Chaucer monument - Westminster Abbey

However, he was not buried in the Abbey for his skill with a quill, but an honour granted because he was clerk of works at the nearby Palace of Westminster and lived in the Abbey precinct.

Image credit: Geoffrey Chaucer - Westminster Abbey

He was born between 1340 and 1343, son of John Chaucer, a London vintner, and Agnes (Copton). Geoffrey began his career in the service of Lionel, third son of King Edward III, and held various offices in the king's household, travelling abroad on several occasions.

Image credit: Chaucer monument inscription - Westminster Abbey

In December 1399 Chaucer was granted the lease of a tenement in the garden of the Lady Chapel of Westminster Abbey, for a term of 53 years at a yearly rent of fifty three shillings and four pence. However, the poet died on 25th October 1400 and probably because he died in his house so near to the Abbey and was still in royal favour, he was buried at the entrance to the chapel of St Benedict, in the south transept of the Abbey.

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