British Literature and Historical Events

Germanic tribes - Angles, Saxons, and Jutes - invade Britain. They are assimilated through intermarriage, but bring their language and culture become part of the British heritage.

Unknown Author; unknown date. Epic hero Beowulf kills the monster Grendal and Grendal's mother. In his old age Beowulf kills a dragon, but dies from his injuries. Before his death, he passes his crown to his follower Wiglaf.

William the Conqueror became King of England. As with the Anglo-Saxon invasion, the language and culture are affected by the invading Normans.

Killed between 1/3 and 1/2 of population

First English literary work written in vernacular.
Fictional tale of pilgrims traveling to Cathedral of Canterbury to visit Shrine of Thomas Becket. Chaucer describes each pilgrim in General Prologue, but allows each one to speak through his/her tale