1. When French came to English

2.  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.)

3.  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 )

4.  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.Harold GodwinssonEdward the Confessor

5.  Timeline  http://usna.edu/Users/history/abels/hh381/ Timeline_norman%20conquest.htm http://usna.edu/Users/history/abels/hh381/ Timeline_norman%20conquest.htm

6.  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

7.  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.