dec 13, 1399 - Henry IV rules; the first ruler in 300 years to speak English.
Description:
Peasants spoke English.Aristocrats spoke French.
Humble, blue collar trades held Anglo-Saxon names.
Skilled, white collar trades held French titles.
French/Anglo-Norman influence was contained to the courts, government, high-living, etc.
Latin was used as written language, especially for the church and for official records.
Added to timeline:
Date:
dec 13, 1399
Now
~ 625 years ago