Geoffrey Chaucer
Geoffrey Chaucer (ca.1343-1400) was an English author, philosopher, diplomat, and poet, and is best known and remembered as the author of The Canterbury Tales. He is sometimes credited with being the first author to demonstrate the artistic legitimacy of the English language.
He was granted a gallon of wine per day for life by Edward III which under Richard II was commuted into a monetary pension. Under Richard he had a succession of royal appointments, including periods as Comptroller of Customs of London, a commissioner for peace for Kent, clerk of the King's works, and a deputy-forester in Somerset.
His wife, Philippa, had served in various parts of the Royal households for several eyars when Chaucer married her around 1366. She was the daughter of a Flemish knight, and her sister, Katharine, became mistress of John of Gaunt and later married him, after the death of his first adn second wives.
Their son, Thomas, also prospered, being three times made Speaker of the House of Commons.
