There is a major event in British history that was responsible for reshaping the entire English language. And it practically passes unnoticed by the average English student. It is thanks to the Normans that us Latin Americans don’t sweat as much to learn English as would an Asian or Middle Eastern person. So, let’s find out together what the Norman influence (or invasion) in Britain was all about and how it has made our lives easier as students.
What was the Norman Invasion of Britain about?
or the Norman conquest of England…
….was the 11th-century invasion and occupation of England by an army of Norman, Breton, Flemish, and French soldiers led by the Duke of Normandy, known as William the Conqueror.
Who were the Normans?
Viking Beginnings
In 911, the French ruler Charles the Simple allowed a group of Vikings under their leader Rollo to settle in Normandy as an agreement to provide protection against future Viking invaders.
Origin of the name
Their settlement proved successful, and the Vikings in the region became known as the “Northmen” from which “Normandy” and “Normans” are derived.
Why did it all happen?
Interest in the English Throne
In 1002 English king Æthelred the Unready married Emma of Normandy. Their son Edward the Confessor, who spent many years in exile in Normandy, succeeded to the English throne in 1042.
Edward’s death
When King Edward died at the beginning of 1066, he didn’t leave any children to succeed him. This created a dispute where several aristocrats claimed their rights to the throne of England.
How the Normans Invaded Britain
Crossing the english channel
A large invasion fleet and an army were formed from Normandy and all over France, and by August the Normans were ready to cross the Channel.
The invasion in numbers
According to historians, the Norman invaders had around 726 ships and an army varying from 14,000 to 15,000 men, about 3,000 of them were cavalry.
England under a Norman king
William the Conqueror was one of the contenders to the throne and the first Norman King of England, reigning from 1066 until his death in 1087.
Sometimes william the bastard
Because he was the son of a French mistress, William got the nickname ‘the Bastard’. He lived up to that nickname by becoming one of England’s most brutal and influential kings.
Language and culture
Naturally, the influx of Normans arriving in England both during and after the conquest had a huge impact on language and culture in England.
The Old English started to be replaced by Latin, and only returning to (Middle) English until the 14th Century when the languages began to merge.
A lot of words
Over time, around 10,000 French words (typically with Latin roots) came into common usage in England. Of these, 7,000 French words still survive in modern English.
References and Links
historical contents
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_conquest_of_England
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_the_Conqueror
Fundador e professor no Simply The Best. Sou fã de cachorros vira-latas, jogos de tabuleiro e viagens para destinos incomuns. Sempre buscando aprender um novo idioma.
