Philippa Roet - Marriage To Chaucer and Adulthood

Marriage To Chaucer and Adulthood

Geoffrey Chaucer was commissioned to work as a page in Elizabeth’s household in 1357, where Philippa was already working as a domicella. This is where they are believed to have met; after Elizabeth’s death, both were sent to work for the queen, caring for her infant daughter, Philippa of Eltham. Philippa was around 10 years old at the time and Chaucer was said to be around 12. Their marriage might have been arranged by Queen Philippa herself in September 1366. It was apparently tradition for domicellas and esquires who worked in the same household to marry.

Once married, although granddaughter Philippa of Eltham was grown, it was decided they would continue working for her and the king. As a result of this marriage, Queen Philippa and King Edward III granted lifetime of annuity to the couple in 1366. This payment allowed the Chaucers to set up a household within the royal one. Chaucer was then taken into the King’s household in 1367 and began to receive his own annuity. These salaries gave the Chaucers great financial security and a good lifestyle. After the death of the queen, Philippa went to the service of Costanza of Castile and John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster. Following Costanza’s death in 1394, John wed his mistress, Katherine, who was Philippa’s sister. This connection significantly increased the Chaucers’ status in society. Philippa was much in favor in court as a lady-in-waiting and her husband continued to elevate his reputation. He worked as a Controller of Customs and royal agent. Due to the varying nature of their jobs, Chaucer and Philippa were often forced to spend much of their time apart. This may explain why very little is known about their marriage. Philippa Roet was somewhat higher born than her husband and consideration has been given to the parallels between their relationship and the one in Chaucer’s Franklin's Tale, which details the relationship between a lower-born knight and a higher-born lady.