The Three Estates
Medieval Europe was theoretically divided into three esates; each estate representing a different function withing the society. Although theologically the boundaries between these estates were rigidly defined by the Great Chain of Being, the 'classes' were constantly changing, and the boundaries were not always clear.

One third of the pilgrims are a part of the Church and its institutions. Some of the church members belonged to orders--religious societies which provided a set of rules or orders for the lives of its members. St. Benedict established the original monastic orders and rules in the 6th century. Monks, nuns, friars, and some priests were all a part fo different religious orders; they were subject to the rule of a religious society. Secular priests were subject to the orders of a bishop.

The three estates existed in a state of constant conflict; this conflict was exacerbated by the advent of the Black Death. And in England erupted in the Peasant Revolt of 1381.

• Chaucer's family may have bridged the gap between commoner and nobility within three generations; his granddaughter may have married into nobility.