Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Poets' Corner
England's greatest artistic contributions are in the written word. Here the masters of argu-
ably the world's most complex and expressive language are remembered. (Many writers
are honored with plaques and monuments; relatively few are actually buried here.)
• Start with Chaucer, buried in the wall under the blue windows, marked with a white
plaque reading Qui Fuit Anglorum...
Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343-1400) is often considered the father of English literature.
Chaucer's Canterbury Tales told of earthy people speaking everyday English, not French
or Latin. He was the first great writer buried in the Abbey (thanks to his job as a Westmin-
ster clerk). Later, it became a tradition to bury other writers here, and Poets' Corner was
built around his tomb. The blue windows have blank panels awaiting the names of future
poets.
• The plaques on the floor before Chaucer are gravestones and memorials to other literary
greats.
 
 
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