Unboxing the Archive: Chaucer's London

The video explores a customs account from London in 1380-1381, overseen by Geoffrey Chaucer. It highlights Chaucer's role as comptroller at the Customs House, where he managed the collection of customs duties on goods like wool. The account provides insights into the diverse merchants trading in London, including notable figures like African Peter. This document reflects the cosmopolitan nature of medieval London and offers a glimpse into Chaucer's daily life, which may have influenced his literary works.

What is Geoffrey Chaucer best known for?

• Overseeing the Customs House

• His role in the medieval civil service

• Writing The Canterbury Tales

• Being an MP for Kent

What was the primary responsibility of Geoffrey Chaucer at the Customs House?

• Collecting customs duties

• Managing the Exchequer

• Overseeing the collectors and compiling accounts

• Writing literary works

What does the term 'alien' refer to in the context of the customs account?

• Foreign merchants

• Merchants from other planets

• English merchants

• Merchants dealing in wool

What were the two main types of customs Chaucer was responsible for?

• Wool and petty customs

• Food and beverage customs

• Gold and silver customs

• Land and sea customs

Where was the medieval customs house located in London?

• Near Buckingham Palace

• In the West End

• Near the Tower of London

• In Westminster

How long did Chaucer work at the Customs House?

• Over 15 years

• Over 5 years

• Over 10 years

• Over 12 years

What was the busiest period for the customs house?

• April to June

• January to March

• November to May

• July to September

Who was African Peter?

• A character in The Canterbury Tales

• A famous English poet

• A wealthy merchant mentioned in the customs account

• A collector at the Customs House

What does the presence of African Peter in the customs account suggest about London?

• It was a closed society

• It had no foreign trade

• It was primarily an agricultural hub

• It was a cosmopolitan place with diverse merchants

What does the customs account reveal about Chaucer's daily life?

• He only focused on writing

• He was deeply involved in London's financial community

• He traveled frequently

• He was isolated from society