History of Middle English Lesson: Key Events and Language Shifts
Lesson Overview
- Two Consecutive Vowels in Middle English Indicate Long Vowels
- Middle English Period Began Around 1066
- Old English Literature Declined After Norman Conquest
- Battle of Hastings Occurred on October 14, 1066
- Middle English Inflections Leveled to Vowel "E"
- Great Middle English Writers Flourished Between 1350 and 1400
- Leaders Who Fought for the English Crown in 1066
- Last Anglo-Saxon King Was Harold Godwinson
- Events Marking End of Middle English Period
This lesson explains the key facts about the history of Middle English, helping you understand its origins, changes, and important writers.
Two Consecutive Vowels in Middle English Indicate Long Vowels
In Middle English, two vowels placed together show that the vowel sound is long. This means the vowel is pronounced for a longer duration than a short vowel.
Example: The word "food" contains two vowels that make the ‘o' sound long.
Quick Tip: Two vowels together usually mean a long vowel sound.
Middle English Period Began Around 1066
The Middle English period started around 1066 with the Norman Conquest. The arrival of Norman French influenced the English language, replacing Old English.
Example: English began mixing Old English and Norman French after 1066.
Quick Tip: The year 1066 marks the start of Middle English.
Old English Literature Declined After Norman Conquest
After 1066, Old English literature declined as Norman French became the language of the ruling class. Middle English literature gradually replaced Old English works.
Example: Old English texts gave way to Middle English writings.
Quick Tip: The Norman Conquest changed English literature.
Battle of Hastings Occurred on October 14, 1066
The Battle of Hastings was fought on October 14, 1066. William the Conqueror defeated King Harold II, leading to Norman rule in England.
Example: This battle changed English history and language.
Quick Tip: Remember October 14, 1066.
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Middle English Inflections Leveled to Vowel "E"
Middle English simplified many word endings to the vowel "e," making the language more regular and easier to use.
Example: Different endings changed to an "-e" sound.
Quick Tip: Many inflections became "e" in Middle English.
Great Middle English Writers Flourished Between 1350 and 1400
Between 1350 and 1400, writers like Geoffrey Chaucer created influential works such as "The Canterbury Tales," marking a golden age in Middle English literature.
Example: Chaucer's writings shaped English literature.
Quick Tip: The late 1300s was a rich literary period.
Leaders Who Fought for the English Crown in 1066
William of Normandy and Harald Hardrada of Norway both claimed the English crown in 1066 after King Edward's death.
Example: Both leaders fought at the Battle of Hastings.
Quick Tip: William and Harald both contested the throne.
Last Anglo-Saxon King Was Harold Godwinson
Harold Godwinson, or Harold II, was the last Anglo-Saxon king of England. He died at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, ending Anglo-Saxon rule.
Example: Harold ruled briefly before his defeat.
Quick Tip: Harold was the final Anglo-Saxon king.
Events Marking End of Middle English Period
The deaths of Chaucer and Malory, and the advent of printing, mark the end of the Middle English period and the start of a new literary era.
Example: Printing made books more available.
Quick Tip: Printing transformed literature and language.
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