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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 between England and the Continent.
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King Henry III issued the first English-language royal proclamation
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. -
The Hundred Years’ War began and lasted until 1453, promoting
English nationalism. -
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. -
John Wycliffe died, having promoted the first complete translation of
scripture into the English language (the Wycliffe Bible). -
Henry IV used English to claim the throne
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Geoffrey Chaucer died, having produced a highly influential body of
English poetry. -
The Chancery office (where legal records were deposited) began record-keeping 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. -
Henry Tudor became king of England, ending thirty years of civil strife, called the War of the Roses, and introducing 118 years of the Tudor dynasty.
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John Cabot sailed to Nova Scotia, foreshadowing English territorial
expansion overseas.
