The Poet's Predicament

Live performance at the Tower of London

Did you know that the famous poet Geoffrey Chaucer worked at the Tower of London? Join us this spring to find out more about his role as Clerk of the King’s Works, and how he balanced the demands of the job with a yearning to get back to his writing.

Look out for Chaucer, as he goes about his busy working day, overseeing the extension of the Tower of London Wharf. With deadlines to meet, he really can’t afford to be distracted.

But his day will be interrupted by four medieval characters who keep popping up around him, wanting to tell their stories. It seems they will go to great lengths to get his attention, adopting all manner of distraction techniques, from storytelling to bell-ringing hats.

When

05 April - 29 June 2025

Daily 10:30 - 16:00 (performance may be affected on 09 April*)

Ticketing information

*on Wednesday 09 April, we will be amplifying aspects of the performance on the South Lawn as a trial. This may impact the programme schedule on this day.

Included in palace admission (Members go free)

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Important information

'The Poet's Predicament' will be performed daily, weather permitting, and is suitable for all ages. It features actors performing short scenes that will play out around the Tower throughout the day.

The actors will pop up at various locations and will be around to stop and chat. The scenes they perform are designed to both transport you back to medieval London, and fit easily into the rest of your Tower visit.