What kind of work did Geoffrey Chaucer do in the royal government?

Geoffrey Chaucer’s career in the royal government was extensive, serving as a trusted courtier, diplomat, and civil servant under three successive kings: Edward III, Richard II, and Henry IV.1

His professional roles included:

• Diplomat: He undertook various diplomatic missions to the European continent, including trips to Flanders, France, and Italy to negotiate commerce and military matters.23
• Comptroller: In 1374, he was appointed comptroller of the customs and subsidy of wools, skins, and tanned hides for the Port of London.3
• Clerk of the King’s Works: He served as a clerk responsible for the maintenance of royal buildings from 1389 to 1391.24
• Subforester: In 1391, he was appointed subforester of the king’s park in North Petherton, Somerset, a position he held until his death.4

While these public affairs occupied much of his time, his literary work remained a significant, albeit secondary, pursuit during his lifetime.21