Petrarch eagerly seized the opportunity of forming his acquaintance, confident that De Bury could give him valuable information on many points of geography and history.
They had several conversations.

Petrarch tells us that he entreated the learned Englishman to make him acquainted with the true situation of the isle of Thule, of which the ancients speak with much uncertainty, but which their best geographers place at the distance of some days' navigation from the north of England.

De Bury was, in all probability, puzzled with the question, though he did not like to confess his ignorance.

He excused himself by promising to inquire into the subject as soon as he should get back to his books in England, and to write to him the best information he could afford.

It does not appear, however, that he performed his promise.
De Bury's stay at the court of Avignon was very short.