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Geoffrey Chaucer c1343 -1400
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His famous pilgrims in the Canterbury Tales passed through Deptford on their journey from London to Canterbury.
Geoffrey Chaucer was probably born in London, England, the son of a tavern keeper, perhaps the John Chaucer who was deputy to the king's butler. He may have gone to Oxford or Cambridge. In 1357 and 1358 he was a page to the wife of Lionel, Duke of Clarence, and then transferred to the king's household. In 1359 he served in France, and was taken prisoner, but ransomed with the king's help. In 1367 the king granted him a pension. In 1368 a Philippa Chaucer appears amongst the ladies of the queen's bedchamber, very probably his wife, and she seems to have had two sons and a daughter. In 1369 Chaucer wrote his Book of the Duchess, on the death of John of Gaunt's wife. Travelling extensively abroad on the king's service, he also held royal posts at home, including that of Comptroller of the Petty Customs (1382). In 1386 he was elected a knight of the shire for Kent. During this time he wrote Troilus and Criseyde, and several other major works. His early writings followed French trends, but were greatly influenced by Italian authors, notably Boccaccio. Losing his offices in 1386, he fell upon hard times, though in 1399 he was awarded a pension. He died in London and was buried in Westminster Abbey. It was during this last period that he wrote his most famous work, the unfinished Canterbury Tales, which is unique for its variety, humour, grace, and realism. Chaucer was the first great poet of the English nation; and in the Middle Ages he stands supreme.
