John Wycliffe's English translation of the Latin Bible is published. English becomes the official language of the law courts and replaces Latin as the medium of instruction at most schools. Geoffrey Chaucer composes The Canterbury Tales in Middle English. The Black Death kills roughly one-third of England's population. Mid to late 14th century-The Hundred Years War between England and France leads to the loss of almost all of England's French possessions.English becomes the dominant language of all classes. Late 13th century-Under Edward I, royal authority is consolidated in England and Wales.These documents, though annulled a few years later, are generally regarded as England's first written constitution. 1258-King Henry III is forced to accept the Provisions of Oxford, which establish a Privy Council to oversee the administration of the government.1215-King John signs the Magna Carta ("Great Charter"), a critical document in the long historical process leading to the rule of constitutional law in the English-speaking world.1209-The University of Cambridge is formed by scholars from Oxford.1204-King John loses control of the Duchy of Normandy and other French lands England is now the only home of the Norman French/English.About this time the University of Oxford is founded. ![]() 1171-Henry II declares himself overlord of Ireland, introducing Norman French and English to the country.1150-Approximate date of the earliest surviving texts in Middle English.For the next century, English, for all practical purposes, is no longer a written language. Over succeeding decades, Norman French becomes the language of the courts and of the upper classes English remains the language of the majority. 1066-The Norman Invasion: King Harold is killed at the Battle of Hastings, and William of Normandy is crowned King of England.Mid 11th century-Edward the Confessor, King of England who was raised in Normandy, names William, Duke of Normandy, as his heir.The Danish king (Canute) rules over England and encourages the growth of Anglo-Saxon culture and literature. The Battle of Maldon becomes the subject of one of the few surviving poems in Old English. Early 11th century-Danes attack England, and the English king (Ethelred the Unready) escapes to Normandy.1000-Approximate date of the only surviving manuscript of the Old English epic poem Beowulf, composed by an anonymous poet between the 8th century and the early 11th century. ![]() ![]()
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