English Language Timeline

By whito
  • Period: 400 to

    English Language Timeline

  • 450

    Old English

    Old English lasted from 450-1100 AD. Some common words during that time were: mugwump, grubbling, and rawgabbit.
  • 500

    Introduction of Christianity

    Christianity was introduced by the Romans during the Old English period.
  • 700

    Earliest Manuscript of Old English

    The Earliest Manuscript of Old English was written during this time period.
  • 701

    Beowulf Writing (Old English)

    The suspected date of Beowulf Writing is between 701-1100 AD.
  • 865

    Scandinavian Influence

    Vikings invaded England starting in 865 and had an influence during the Old English time period.
  • 1066

    The Norman Invasion (Middle English)

    The Norman Invasion occurred during 1066 during the time period of Middle English.
  • 1100

    Middle English

    Middle English existed between 1100-1500. It included the words, gilded, courtly and appraised.
  • 1314

    Battle of Bannockburn

    William Wallace led a rebellion that eventually led to his execution in 1305.
  • 1337

    The Hundred Years War

    The Hundred Years War began in 1337 during the Middle English period.
  • 1348

    The Black Death

    The Black Death
    The Bubonic plague arrived in 1348 during the Middle English
  • 1392

    Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (Middle English)

    Canterbury Tales was written in Middle English during 1392.
  • 1440

    The invention of the Printing Press (Middle English)

    The invention of the Printing Press (Middle English)
    The printing press was invented in 1440 when Middle English was used. However, its invention led to the ushering in of Modern English.
  • 1492

    The discovery of North America

    North America was discovered in 1492 during the period of Middle English, when the continent was discovered a new period of language began to be born.
  • 1500

    Modern English

    Early Modern English was spoken between 1500-1800. It included words such as, apparel, because and brave. Late Modern English began in 1800 and is still continuing to present day. It brought forth many military derived words such as; ambush, siege, and camoflauge.
  • 1564

    Shakespeare's Birth

    Shakespeare was born in 1564 during Early English and influenced the time period significantly.

  • British arrived in South Asia

    The British arrived in South Asia during the Modern Time Period and helped bring new words to the English languages.

  • Jamestown, Virginia

    The first English colony was established in Jamestown, Virginia during 1607.

  • Publication of Shakespeare's First Folio (Modern English)

    Shakespeare's First Folio was published in 1623 and written in Early Modern English

  • The American Revolution

    The American Revolution
    The American Revolution began in 1765 and lied on the brink of early and late Modern English.