2. The Murder of Geoffrey Chaucer
Chaucer is widely considered to be one of the best poets of the Middle Ages, born in London in 1343. He was the first poet to be buried at Poet’s Corner of Westminster Abbey in October 1400. He’s best known for The Canterbury Tales, and is often thought to have helped popularize English as a language through his writing.
Chaucer was well-appreciated during his time. Therefore he was given several appointments by royalty that afforded him a very comfortable life. It’s unclear exactly how and when Chaucer died, as a tomb was not erected in his honor until one hundred years after his death. You can now visit Chaucer at the south transept of Westminster Abbey in Poet’s Corner.
That said, there’s new speculation that he was indeed murdered. It is rumored he was killed because his writings suggested heresy about King Richard II. Had Chaucer lived, he was a popular enough writer who could have helped to de-throne the king.
Some people also suggest there would’ve been manuscripts and more writings left behind if he had an illness or some idea suggesting his end was imminent. That said, history may as well have been different had the most famous poet of his era lived longer to write more manuscripts, poems, and voice more concerns about the country’s leadership.