The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems

The Canterbury Tales' is a collection of 24 stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer. In 1386, Chaucer became Controller of Customs and Justice of Peace and, three years later, Clerk of the King's work. It was during these years that Chaucer began working on his most famous text, 'The Canterbury Tales'. The tales are presented as part of a story-telling contest by a group of pilgrims as they travel together on a journey from London to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket. The prize for this contest is a free meal at the Tabard Inn at Southwark on their return.