c. 1404-1475
Titles: Duchess of Suffolk, Lady of the Most Noble Order of the Garter
Alice Chaucer LG was an English noblewoman and patron of the arts, born around 1404. She was the granddaughter of the famous poet Geoffrey Chaucer and the daughter of Thomas Chaucer and Matilda Burghersh. Alice married three times, with her third husband being William de la Pole, 1st Duke of Suffolk. Her marriage to William connected her closely with King Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou.
Alice Chaucer was a lady-in-waiting to Margaret of Anjou in 1445 and was known for her patronage of the arts. She commissioned tapestries depicting the life of St Anne, which were displayed in her home at Ewelme, Oxfordshire. Alice was also known for her extensive library, which included many French texts and religious service books.
After the execution of her husband William in 1450, Alice managed to retain her family's titles and properties. She lent the Crown 3,500 marks, which helped spare her family from attainder. Alice switched her allegiance to the House of York during the Wars of the Roses and served as the custodian of Wallingford Castle until at least 1471. She also became the custodian of Margaret of Anjou in 1472.
Alice Chaucer died in 1475 and was buried in St Mary's Church, Ewelme. Her son, John de la Pole, succeeded her.
Death: Died in 1475 and was buried in St Mary's Church, Ewelme.
Children: John de la Pole, 2nd Duke of Suffolk
Marriages: Sir John Phelip, Thomas Montagu, 4th Earl of Salisbury, William de la Pole, 1st Duke of Suffolk
Parents: Thomas Chaucer, Matilda Burghersh