-
John Cabot sailed to Nova Scotia, foreshadowing English territorial
expansion overseas. -
Henry Tudor became king of England, ending thirty years of civil strife,
called the War of the Roses, and introducing 118 years of the Tudor dynasty. -
William Caxton brought printing to England, thus promoting literacy throughout the population.
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The Chancery office (where legal records were deposited) began record-
keeping in a form of East Midland English, which became the written standard of English. -
Geoffrey Chaucer died, having produced a highly influential body of
English poetry. -
John Wycliffe died, having promoted the first complete translation of
scripture into the English language (the Wycliffite Bible). -
The Peasants’ Revolt led by Wat Tyler was the first rebellion of
working-class people against their exploitation. Although it failed in most of its
immediate aims, it marks the beginning of popular protest. -
The Statute of Pleadings was enacted, requiring all court proceedings to
be conducted in English. -
The Black Death killed an estimated one-third of England’s popula-
tion and continued to plague the country for much of the rest of the century. -
The Hundred Years’ War began and lasted until 1453, promoting
English nationalism. -
King Henry III issued the first English-language royal proclamation since the Conquest, having been forced by his barons to accept the Provisions of Oxford, establishing a Privy Council to oversee the administration of the government.
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King John lost Normandy to the French, beginning the loosening of ties
between England and the Continent. -
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The Normans conquered England, replacing the native English nobility
with Anglo-Normans and introducing Norman French as the language of
government in England.