A Chaucer Chronology
Early 1340s. Geoffrey Chaucer born, son of John Chaucer, a vintner (wine merchant) in London. GC educated in London, possibly at St. Paul's.1357. Records of the Countess of Ulster (wife of Lionel, son of Edward III) indicate that Chaucer was a member of the household, probably a page.
1359. Chaucer, an English soldier on campaign in France, is captured and ransomed.
1360-66. There are no records of Chaucer from 1360 to 1366. He may have spent part of that period studying law at the Inner Temple.
1366. Travel in France. Death of John Chaucer. Marriage of GC to Philippa de Roet (sister of Katherine Swynford, who was mistress of John of Gaunt).
1367. Chaucer in the Royal service. Further journeys to France.
1368-72. Probable period of the composition of The Book of the Duchess.
1372-73. Journey to Genoa and Florence, possibly meeting Petrarch and Boccacio.
1374. Grant from John of Gaunt, possibly rewarding The Book of the Duchess. Chaucer receives generous grants from the King, buys a house in London (Aldgate), and is appointed Controller of Customs on Wool.
1374-77. Further travels in France.
1377. Death of Edward III; accession of Richard II.
1378. Chaucer's second visit to Italy.
1381. Peasant revolt terrorizes London, killing friends of Chaucer, before being suppressed (by other friends of Chaucer).
1382-86. Probable period of the composition of Troilus and Criseyde.
1385. Chaucer moves to Kent.
1386. Chaucer is a Member of Parliament (from Kent) during a period of temporarily successful resistance to Richard II; several of Chaucer's colleagues are executed.
1388-92. The Canterbury Tales: General Prologue and early tales.
1389. Chaucer appointed Clerk of the King's Works--in charge of the upkeep and repair of royal residences.
1390. Chaucer is attacked and robbed (possibly several times).
1391. Chaucer retires from the clerkship, becomes a royal forester for North Petherton (Somerset), administrating forest lands.
1392-95. Probable period of the composition of most of the Canterbury Tales, including the "marriage group."
1396-1400. Composition of the late tales, including "The Canon Yeoman's Tale," "The Nun's Priest's Tale," and "The Parson's Tale."
1399. Richard II is deposed; Henry IV becomes King. Chaucer moves to Westminster.
1400. Death of Chaucer (October 25?); burial in Westminster Abbey.