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The Norman Conquest of England under William the Conqueror -
King John loses Normandy to the French, loosening ties between England and the Continent -
King Henry III issues the first English-language royal proclamation since the Conquest -
The Hundred Years' War between England and France
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The Black Death kills an estimated one-third of England's population
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The Statute of Pleadings is enacted, requiring court proceedings to be conducted in English
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The Peasants' Revolt, led by Wat Tyler, marks the beginning of popular protest
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John Wycliffe promotes the first complete translation of the Bible into English
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Geoffrey Chaucer dies, having produced influential English poetry
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The Chancery office begins record-keeping in a form of East Midland English, which becomes the written standard
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William Caxton introduces printing to England, promoting literacy
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Henry Tudor becomes king, ending the War of the Roses and introducing the Tudor dynasty
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John Cabot sails to Nova Scotia, foreshadowing English territorial expansion overseas