Geoffrey Chaucer (7) Poem by Sylvia Frances Chan

Geoffrey Chaucer (7)

The next story poem will be sequel number 7.
As a poet of English Literature, you ought to know about Geoffrey Chaucer.
He is a key figure in English Literature. In what way?
Very simple:
No Geoffrey Chaucer, No English Literature

He is considered the most important author
of medieval English literature.
He was the creator of some of the most poetic works
in world literature.

In addition to being an exceptionally gifted author and poet,
Chaucer had a busy public life
As a soldier,
courtier,
diplomat,
and civil servant,
serving a variety of public functions.

Above all, he is called the 'father Of English Literature'

In this sequel, I wish to talk about Geoffrey Chaucer's descendants,
thus bit longer than the usual Sequels
I have narrated till now
It is not known for certain how many children
Chaucer and his wife Filippa had.

Their son Thomas Chaucer (1367-1434) made a career
as chief butler to four kings (1404-1434)
envoy to France and Speaker of the British House of Commons.

Thomas Chaucer used the seal with his father's coat of arms and name.

Through his marriage to Maud Burghersh, heiress to a great fortune,
and through annuities from John of Gaunt, Richard II,
and Henry IV,
he became a very prominent and prosperous man.

Their only daughter Alice Chaucer,
granddaughter of Geoffrey Chaucer,
married William de la Pole,1st Duke of Suffolk.
The only son of Alice and William,
Chaucer's great-grandson
was John de la Pole,2nd Duke of Suffolk.

Through his marriage to Elizabeth of York, Duchess of Suffolk,
He became the brother-in-law of two English kings:
Edward IV and Richard III.

Eleven children of John de la Pole and Elizabeth are known.
The eldest of these, John de la Pole,
1st Earl of Lincoln (c.1462-1487) ,
great-great-grandson of Chaucer,
was a destined heir to the throne of his uncle Richard III.

A 1403 document at Carmarthen Castle also mentions
Lewis Chaucer along with Thomas Chaucer.
Geoffrey Chaucer wrote for him in 1391
A Treatise on the Astrolabe:
Lyte Lowys my son... tender age of ten years...

So Lewis Chaucer was born in about 1381.

Two of Chaucer's alleged daughters are
Elizabeth Chaucy, a nun at Barking Abbey,
and Agnes Chaucer, who was said
to have been present at Henry IV's coronation.

However, there are no documents
That definitely identify them as Chaucer's children.

©Sylvia Frances Chan - All Rights Reserved
27 August 2023
The next Sequel will be Geoffrey Chaucer (8)