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1066
The Norman Conquest
The Norman Conquest was a pivotal event in English history and all subsequent developments in the English monarchy, government, society, language and outlook are coloured by it. -
Period: 1100 to 1500
Middle English
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Oct 18, 1171
Henri II conquers Ireland
Then on 18 October 1171, Henry II landed a much bigger force in Waterford to at least ensure his continuing control over the Norman force. In the process he took Dublin and had accepted the fealty of the Irish kings and bishops by 1172, so creating the "Lordship of Ireland", which formed part of his Angevin Empire. -
Jun 5, 1204
King John loses the province of Normandy to France
He lost the Duchy of Normandy and most of his other French lands to King Philip II of France, resulting in the collapse of the Angevin Empire and contributing to the subsequent growth in power of the French Capetian dynasty during the 13th century. -
Jun 15, 1348
English replaces Latin as the medium of instruction in schools
Oxford and Cambridge choose to keep Latin -
Jun 15, 1362
English is used in Parliament for the first time
The Statute of pleading replaces French with English as the language of law. Record continue to be kept in latin. -
Dec 31, 1384
Wyclif published his English translation of the Bible
Wycliffe's Bible. Wycliffe's Bible is the name now given to a group of Bible translations into Middle English that were made under the direction of John Wycliffe. They appeared over a period from approximately 1382 to 1395. -
May 15, 1388
Chaucers begins the Canterbury Tales
The Canterbury Tales was one of the first major works in literature written in English. Chaucer began the tales in 1387 and continued until his death in 1400. -
Jun 15, 1476
William Caxton establishes the first English printing press
William Caxton (c. 1422 – c. 1491) was an English merchant, diplomat, and writer. He is thought to be the first person to introduce a printing press into England, in 1476, and as a printer was the first English retailer of printed books -
Aug 3, 1492
Colombus discovers the New World
After sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus touches down in the Bahamas, believing he's made it to East Asia.
