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Good Old Days
The time of the earliest known inscriptions, or writings, of Old English Language. Old English was commonly spoken around until the 1100's. -
Aug 22, 1066
English down to the bottom
English becomes the language of the lower classes and writers write with French more often. -
Jan 1, 1100
Middle Class
During this time, the earliest, surviving, manuscripts of Middle English existed. -
May 19, 1348
English in, Latin out
English replaced Latin as the language of instructions used in most schools. -
May 19, 1362
From French to English
French is replaced with English as the language of law. English is also used in Parliament for the first time. More and more authors are writing in English. -
May 19, 1400
The Great Shift
The Great Vowel Shift begins at this time and the alphabet becomes confusing. -
May 19, 1476
Early Modern English
William Caxton establishes the first English printing press. -
Apr 22, 1501
Modern English here we come
By the time of William Shakespeare, the language had become clearly recognizable as Modern English. -
Dec 22, 1564
A Famous Person Is born.
Shakespeare is born. -
Long live Shakespeare.
Shakespeare dies; he was recognized then as a genius of the English Language. -
Get Your Paper!
First daily English-Language newspaper, The Daily Courant, is published in London.
