THE OLD ENGLISH PERIOD AND MIDDLE ENGLISH PERIOD

Roman Occupation of Modern England

43

Emperor Claudius occupies Britain. Most Celts continue to speak their language. Some learn Latin.

Romans Withdraw from Britain

410

Celts suffer attacks from Picts and Scots

Britons Turn to Saxons for Protection

449

After being refused by the Romans, the Britons as the Saxons to protect them from the Picts and Scots. Germanic warrior-adventurers begin to arrive. Major population changes to English speakers.

Saint Augustine Arrives in England

597

Conversion of the English begins with the baptism of King Ethelbert of Kent. Introduction of the influence of Latin.

Augustine is Consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury

601

There is now a church in England. Christianity contributes to cultural importance of the land.

The Synod of Whitby

664

Northumbrian synod that aligned English Christian observances with those of Rome rather than those of the Celts linking English culture with mainstream Europe.

Ecclesiastical History of the English People

730

The Venerable Bede produces a text that records the early history of the English people.

The Scandinavian Invasion

787

Viking raids begin along the northeast seacoast.

Scandinavians Occupy Northeastern Britain

865

A campaign to conquer all England begins

Alfred Becomes King of Wessex

871

Retakes the city of London establishing the Danelaw limiting viking territory. He secured Kingship of all England for himself and those who came after him. He promoted the translation of Latin texts to
English.

Ælfric Goes to the Abbey of Cerne

987

Homilist and grammarian who becomes the major prose writer of the period and of its Benedictine Revival. Produces a model of prose style that influences following centuries.

Olaf Tryggvason Invades England

991

The English were defeated at the Battle of Maldon, account of the battle is related in a poem named accordingly: "The Battle of Maldon"

Beowulf Was Written

1000

One of the most important Epic Poems of Old English of Author unknown. It is one of the longest pieces of work that has a very versatile use of language.

Canute Becomes King of England

1016

A Danish Dynasty is established in Britain.

End of the Danish Dynasty

1042

King Hardicanute dies, and Edward the Confessor becomes king of England.

Death of Edward the Confessor

1066

Harold succeeds him and is the last king of the Anglo-Saxons who dies at the Battle of Hastings. William, duke of Normandy is then crowned king of England.

Normans Conquer England

1066

English nobility is replaced by Anglo-Normans. Norman French is introduced as the language of government in England.

THE MIDDLE ENGLISH PERIOD 1100-1500

1100

Loss of Normandy to the French

1204

This occurs under King John's rule. Ties loosen between England and the continent.

Issuing of the First English-language Royal Proclamation

1258

First one after the conquest by King Henry III. A Privy Council is established to oversee the administration of the government. The growth of the English constitution and parliament begins.

The Hundred Years War

1337

Lasts until 1453. It promotes English nationalism.

The Black Death

1348

Kills an estimated one-third of England's population and continues for most part of the century.

Enactment of the Statue of Pleadings

1362

Legal document written in French that demanded that all court proceedings should be conducted in English, and official documents should be recorded in Latin.

The Peasant's Revolt

1381

First rebellion of working class people against exploitation. Although it fails, it marks the beginning of popular protest

The Wycliffite Bible

1384

John Wycliffe promotes the first complete translation of scripture into the English Language before dying.

Death of Geoffrey Chaucer

1400

Considered the greatest poet of the Middle ages. Best known for the Canterbury Tales.

Record-keeping in English Begins

1430

The Chancery Office begins record-keeping in a form of East Midland English which becomes the written standard of English.

Printing is Brought to England

1476

Brought by William Caxton promoting literacy throughout the population.

Henry Tudor Becomes King of England

1485

The War of the Roses ends after 30 years of civil unrest. 118 years of the Tudor Dynasty Begins.