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1389

Discover what happened in this year with HISTORY’s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.

Jul12
Arts & Entertainment

Geoffrey Chaucer is named chief clerk by Richard II

King Richard II appoints Geoffrey Chaucer to the position of clerk of the king’s works in Westminster on July 12, 1389.

Geoffrey Chaucer

Circa 1390, Portrait of Geoffrey Chaucer (c 1342-1400). English poet, soldier and diplomat 1360-70. Wrote 'The Canterbury Tales.' (Photo by Stock Montage/Getty Images)

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