Middle English

Normands conquer England

1066

They replaced the native English nobility with Anglo-Normans and introducing Norman French as the language of government in England.

Middle English Period

Period: 1100 to 1500

In this period ocurred many changes to the English Language. The influence from French, German, Latin among others languagesand also wars, diseases, conquers and many other situations, carried changes that were evident and form part of what the English Language it's today.

King John lost Normandy

1204

He began the loosening of ties between England and the Continent.

King Henry III issued the first English-language royal proclamation

1258

He accepted the Provisions of Oxford, establishing a Privy Council to oversee the administration of the government, so beginning the growth of the English constitution and parliament.

The Hundred Years War began

1337

This war lasted until 1453, promoting English nationalism.

The Black Death appeared

1348

This illnes killed an estimated one-third of England’s population
and continued to plague the country for much of the rest of the century.

The Statute of Pleadings was enacted

1362

This statute required all court proceedings to be conducted in English.

John Wycliffe begins the translation of the Bible

1380

John Wycliffe promoted the first complete translation of
scripture into the English language (the Wycliffite Bible).

The peasants' Revolt

1381

This revolt was led by Wat Tyler. It was the first rebellion of
working-class people against their exploitation and it marks the beginning of popular protest.

John Wycliffe died

1384

A written standard of English is officialized.

1430

The Chancery office began record keeping in a form of East Midland English, which became the written standard of English.

First printing in England

1476

William Caxton brought printing to England, thus promoting literacy throughout the population.