The Franklin

- Free tenant of the crown (didn't have to pay tax or rent, was incredibly wealthy)

- Knight of the shire (member of the parliament) 

- Part of the emerging middle class (not born into nobility) 

- White beard might suggest he is old (age = respect?)

- Oldest member of the pilgrimage

- He survived the black death, grew old, could lead to respect 

- He drank wine at breakfast, wealthy, could afford what ever he wants

- He can supposedly what ever he wants, and he enjoys this freedom

- Figure of authority, alike the knight and squire

- Suggested to be like St. Julian (patron saint of hospitality)

- Doesn't have an ulterior motive by going on the pilgrimage

- Chaucer could be personifying himself through The Franklin