The History of the English Language

By Wylie_Wu
  • 400

    Beginning of the Old English period.

    Beginning of the Old English period.
  • Period: 400 to 1100

    Old English Era

  • 450

    Arrival of Anglo-Saxon settlers in Britain.

    Arrival of Anglo-Saxon settlers in Britain.
  • 700

    The earliest Old English literary works, such as "Caedmon's Hymn," begin to appear.

    The earliest Old English literary works, such as "Caedmon's Hymn," begin to appear.
  • 800

    Viking raids on England start, impacting the language and culture.

    Viking raids on England start, impacting the language and culture.
  • 850

    Viking invasions intensify, leading to the establishment of Danelaw.iking invasions intensify, leading to the establishment of Danelaw.

    Viking invasions intensify, leading to the establishment of Danelaw.iking invasions intensify, leading to the establishment of Danelaw.
  • 900

    The "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle" begins, documenting the history of England.

    The "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle" begins, documenting the history of England.
  • 975

    Estimated date for the composition of "Beowulf."

    Estimated date for the composition of "Beowulf."
  • 1066

    The Norman Invasion, leading to significant changes in the English language and culture.

    The Norman Invasion, leading to significant changes in the English language and culture.
  • 1100

    Beginning of the Middle English period.

    Beginning of the Middle English period.
  • Period: 1100 to 1500

    Middle English Era

  • 1150

    The development of the first Middle English literature.

    The development of the first Middle English literature.
  • 1300

    Geoffrey Chaucer begins writing "The Canterbury Tales."

    Geoffrey Chaucer begins writing "The Canterbury Tales."
  • 1440

    The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg.

    The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg.
  • 1450

    The first printed books in English begin to appear.

    The first printed books in English begin to appear.
  • 1485

    Publication of Thomas Malory’s "Le Morte d'Arthur," an important Middle English text.

    Publication of Thomas Malory’s "Le Morte d'Arthur," an important Middle English text.
  • 1500

    Beginning of the Modern English period.

    Beginning of the Modern English period.
  • Period: 1500 to

    Modern English Era

  • William Shakespeare's plays are written and performed.

    William Shakespeare's plays are written and performed.

  • Publication of Shakespeare's First Folio.

    Publication of Shakespeare's First Folio.

  • The American Revolution begins with the Declaration of Independence.

    The American Revolution begins with the Declaration of Independence.

  • The Industrial Revolution starts, dramatically affecting society and language.

    The Industrial Revolution starts, dramatically affecting society and language.

  • The first successful moon landing, marking significant technological progress.

    The first successful moon landing, marking significant technological progress.