AngloNorman

Anglo-Norman denotes the cultural, linguistic, and political milieu that developed in England after the Norman conquest of 1066. It describes the blend created by the Norman ruling class, whose dominance transformed administration, law, architecture, and elite culture.

Anglo-Norman French, a variety of Old Norman French, served as the language of government, law, and high culture in England for several centuries. It coexisted with Latin in official contexts and with Old English among the common people. Its vocabulary entered English in fields such as law, governance, religion, and daily life, leaving a lasting imprint on Middle English.

Anglo-Norman administration introduced feudal practices and a new landed elite. The period saw the construction of Romanesque and early Gothic architecture, changes in land tenure, and legal reforms. The period of the Angevin and Plantagenet kings facilitated cross-Channel governance and culture, reinforcing bilingual administration in many courts.

Over time, English regained prominence in public life. A turning point was the Statute of Pleading in 1362, which mandated that English be used in the courts. By the late 14th century, English had largely supplanted Anglo-Norman as the language of administration and literature, though the French-derived vocabulary persisted in law, government, and culture.

Anglo-Norman left a lasting legacy in language, place names, law, and literary forms, shaping the emergence of Middle English and the broader tapestry of medieval English society.