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1400Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales
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1400Illegal English Bible
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1412Chaucer’s influence
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1419English: language of government
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1425Medicinal plants
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1430Chess playing
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1440Recipe for 'custarde'
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1455Gutenberg Bible
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1469The Legend of King Arthur
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1473First English printed book
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1476Caxton's Chaucer
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1477Valentine's day love letter
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1480The Fabillis of Esope
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1487Heretics burned at the stake
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1490Caxton's 'egges' story
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1493Medieval phrase book
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Intro
After the Norman Conquest of 1066, it took more than three centuries for English to oust French as the language of government. The parliament of 1362 was opened with a speech in English by the chancellor and then, in the early 15th century, Henry V became the first king since Anglo-Saxon times to use English in his written instructions.
In this letter
Henry V issued several letters during his second campaign in France. They all break with tradition by using English. This one, addressed to his regent, discusses the situation in the north of England and gives instructions on the Duc d’Orléans imprisoned at Pontefract Castle. Historians believe this is in the King’s handwriting.
Shelfmark: Cotton MS Vespasian F.iii, f.8.
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