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Innovations in middle English Spellings
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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.
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King John lost Normandy to the French, beginning the loosening of ties
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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, so beginning the growth of the English constitution and parliament.
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The Hundred Years’ War began and lasted until 1453, promoting English nationalism.
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The Black Death killed an estimated one-third of England’s population and continued to plague the country for much of the rest of the century.
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The Statute of Pleadings was enacted, requiring all court proceedings to be conducted in English.
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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.
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John Wycliffe died, having promoted the first complete translation of scripture into the English language
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Geoffrey Chaucer died, having produced a highly influential body of English poetry.
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The Chancery office (where legal records were deposited) began recordkeeping in a form of East Midland English, which became the written standard of English.
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William Caxton brought printing to England, thus promoting literacy throughout the population.
