Document casts new light on Chaucer 'rape' case

The poet’s reputation has long been questioned over charge of ‘raptus’. But term may have meant abduction of a bride for his young ward, says academic

A document from the 14th century has emerged that sheds new light on the charge of “rape” brought against The Canterbury Tales author Geoffrey Chaucer in 1380.

A cloud of suspicion has hung over the writer since 1870, after the discovery of a legal document declaring that Cecily Chaumpaigne had agreed to release Chaucer from all actions concerning her rape: “De raptu meo”. Debate has raged over the case ever since because of the term “raptus”, which could mean either rape or abduction.