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1066
Norman Conquest
The Normans conquered England, introducing Norman French as the language of government. -
1204
Loss of Normandy
King John lost Normandy to the French, leading to the loosening of ties between England and the Continent. -
1258
Provisions of Oxford
King Henry III issued the first English-language royal proclamation, establishing a Privy Council and beginning the growth of the English constitution. -
1337
1337-1453 Hundred Years' Wa
English nationalism promoted during this period. -
1348
1348-1350: Black Death
The devastating plague killed a significant portion of England's population. -
1362
Statute of Pleadings
All court proceedings required to be conducted in English. -
1381
Peasants' Revolt
Led by Wat Tyler, marking the beginning of popular protest. -
1384
Wycliffe's Death
John Wycliffe promoted the first complete translation of scripture into English. -
1400
Chaucer's Death
Geoffrey Chaucer produced influential English poetry. -
1430
Chancery Office
Legal records began to be kept in East Midland English, establishing a written standard.