Henry V and the Restoration of English …

Years: 1417 - 1417

Henry V and the Restoration of English as an Official Language (1415–1417)

During his military campaigns in France, King Henry V of England (r. 1413–1422) began using English in official correspondence—a significant linguistic shift that marked the revival of English as an official language for the first time since the Norman Conquest (1066), over 350 years earlier.

I. The Use of English in Henry V’s Correspondence

  • While on campaign in France (1415–1420), Henry wrote letters back to England in English, rather than in Latin or Anglo-Norman French, which had been the dominant languages of government and administration.
  • This was a deliberate political and cultural statement, emphasizing national unity and reinforcing the legitimacy of the English monarchy.
  • His use of English signified a turning point in the gradual decline of French as the language of English governance.

II. The Long Decline of French in England (1066–1415)

  • After the Norman Conquest (1066), Anglo-Norman French became the dominant language of the English court, law, and government.
  • Latin remained the language of the Church and formal records, while English was largely confined to the lower classes.
  • By the 14th century, English was slowly re-emerging:
    • The Statute of Pleading (1362) allowed English to be spoken in courts, though legal documents remained in French or Latin.
    • Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343–1400) had popularized Middle English in literature, demonstrating its richness and adaptability.

III. The Lasting Impact of Henry V’s Use of English

  • By the end of Henry V’s reign, English had become the primary language of administration and government, replacing French in royal and official documents.
  • This shift laid the foundation for:
    • The first official use of English in Parliament.
    • The transition to Middle English as the standard written language.
    • The eventual translation of legal and governmental records into English.

IV. Conclusion: The Restoration of English in Official Use

Henry V’s use of English in correspondence marked a major turning point in England’s linguistic history, restoring English as the primary language of governance for the first time since 1066. His efforts helped solidify English national identity, ensuring its permanent place in royal administration, law, and diplomacy.

 

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West Europe (1417 - 1417)
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Atlantic West Europe (1417 - 1417)

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