The Medieval period runs from the fourth century to the late fifteenth century—roughly 350 to 1475—ending when the English Renaissance begins. The people of England spoke Old English during the early part of the period. Anglo-Norman and Middle English were spoken after the Norman Conquest of 1066. England was closely tied to France, and for a long time French was the language of the ruling elite and literature.

Salem Press Encyclopedia of Literature, 2022. 3p.