Middle English 1100 - 1500

By Wendicita
  • Mar 15, 1066

    Normans conquered England

    the native English nobility was replaced with Anglo-Normans and introducing Norman French as the language of governement of England.
  • Mar 15, 1204

    King John lost Normandy to the French

    with this began the loosening of ties between England and the Continent.
  • Mar 15, 1258

    King Henry III issued the first English-Language royal proclamation since the Conquest

    King Henry III was forced by his barons to accept the provisions of Oxford, establishing a Privy Council to oversee the administration of the governement, and with this began the growth of the English constitution and parliament.
  • Mar 15, 1337

    The Hundred Years´ War began

    It lasted until 1453, promoting English nationalism.
  • Period: Mar 16, 1348 to Mar 16, 1350

    The Black Death killed one third of England´s population.

    It plagued the country for much of the rest of the century.
  • Mar 15, 1362

    The Statute of Pleadings was enacted.

    All court proceedings were required to be conducted in English.
  • Mar 15, 1381

    The Peasants´ Revolt was the first rebellion of the working-class people against their exploitation.

    It was led by Wat Taylor. It failed in most of its immediate aims, but it marked the beginning of popular protest.
  • Mar 15, 1384

    John Wycliffe died.

    The first complete translation of scripture into the English language was promoted. (the Wycliffite Bible)
  • Mar 15, 1400

    Geoffrey Chaucer died.

    He produced a highly influential body of English poetry.
  • Mar 15, 1430

    The Chancery office began record-keeping in a form of East Midland English.

    This became the written standard of English.
  • Mar 15, 1476

    William Caxton brought printing to England.

    This promoted literacy throughout the population.
  • Mar 15, 1485

    Henry Tudor became king of England.

    This ended thirty years of civil strife, called the War of the Roses,and introducing 118 years of Tudor dynasty.
  • Mar 15, 1497

    John Cabot sailed to Nova Scotia.

    This foreshadowed English territorial expansion overseas.