The History of the English Language By Wylie_Wu 400 Beginning of the Old English period. Period: 400 to 1100 Old English Era 450 Arrival of Anglo-Saxon settlers in Britain. 700 The earliest Old English literary works, such as "Caedmon's Hymn," begin to appear. 800 Viking raids on England start, impacting the language and culture. 850 Viking invasions intensify, leading to the establishment of Danelaw.iking invasions intensify, leading to the establishment of Danelaw. 900 The "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle" begins, documenting the history of England. 975 Estimated date for the composition of "Beowulf." 1066 The Norman Invasion, leading to significant changes in the English language and culture. 1100 Beginning of the Middle English period. Period: 1100 to 1500 Middle English Era 1150 The development of the first Middle English literature. 1300 Geoffrey Chaucer begins writing "The Canterbury Tales." 1440 The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg. 1450 The first printed books in English begin to appear. 1485 Publication of Thomas Malory’s "Le Morte d'Arthur," an important Middle English text. 1500 Beginning of the Modern English period. Period: 1500 to 2000 Modern English Era 1600 William Shakespeare's plays are written and performed. 1623 Publication of Shakespeare's First Folio. 1776 The American Revolution begins with the Declaration of Independence. 1800 The Industrial Revolution starts, dramatically affecting society and language. 1969 The first successful moon landing, marking significant technological progress.
