The Norman InvasionWhen French came to English

The Normans were French and they hailed from the region of France called “Normandy.”

They landed at Hastings in England and moved inward from there. (Just down from Dover on this map.)

Who were the Normans?

France and England had had “some issues” in the preceding centuries. Royals were banished back and forth and there was all sorts of drama.

Here is what I mean: (next slide)

A brief history

William of Normandy has been threatening to invade since Harold Godwinsson, Earl of Wessex, was crowned King of England on 6 January, following the death of Edward the Confessor. William claims that Edward had promised the crown to him in 1051, in gratitude for his protection during Edward's 25-year exile in Normandy. Harold himself swore an oath to support William's succession during a visit to Normandy in 1064. Although William seems to admit that Edward named Harold as his successor on his deathbed, he believes he has a prior claim. He also accuses Harold of breaking his oath and justifies the invasion on the grounds of perjury.

Exhibit A

Timeline http://

usna.edu/Users/history/abels/hh381/Timeline_norman%20conquest.htm

Exhibit B

For approximately 200 years French rulers ruled the land

French was spoken in public domains BUT English was spoken at home and on the farm

Cool examples: Cow (Germanic) = home (farm) Beef (French “boeuf”) = public (market) Sheep (Germanic) = home (farm) Mutton (French “Mouton”) = public (market)

This is how English grew and grew

impact

English seemed destined to survive this era

1. Latin and French were used/ spoken by Nobles and rulers—common people spoke well established English and the language persisted

2. People intermarried and there were simply more English speakers than French speakers so the French speakers adapted

3. in 1204, Nobles who held land in both England and France were forced to choose on or the other, so England and France truly separated again.

Three keys to survival