Category Archives: Anglo-Normans

Anglo-Norman Literature: Ballads (Part 2)

Posted on August 27, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Part 1 on Ballads may be found HERE. The earlier post covered the popular ballads of “Riddles Wisely Expounded,” “The Wife of Usher’s Well,” “Edward,” “Robin Hood and the Monk,” “Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne,” “Robin Hood’s Death,” “The … Continue reading →

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Anglo-Norman Literature: Part IV ~ Ballads

Posted on August 18, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

“A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music. Ballads derive from the medieval French chanson balladée or ballade, which were originally “dancing songs”. Ballads were particularly characteristic of the popular poetry and song of the … Continue reading →

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Word Origins? Are These Ones You’ve Used Incorrectly?

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

We had some great discussions on Facebook over the last patch of words I included in a post on word origins. Let us see if you find any of these appealing? Escort – This is a late 16th Century word … Continue reading →

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Anglo-Norman Literature: Part III ~ Romantic Verse Beyond “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

The French epic arrived in England early on. Some historians believe that Chanson de Roland was sung at the Battle of Hastings. We have evidence of “chansons de geste” from the period, which serves even today. The chanson de geste, Old French … Continue reading →

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Anglo-Norman Literature: Part II ~ Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

This romantic verse is dated to the late 14th Century, but it may have developed a bit earlier. The author of the piece remains as “anonymous”; however many scholars view the author of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” to … Continue reading →

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Anglo-Norman Literature: Part I ~ Introduction to Medieval Verse Romances

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Early “romances” were stories written in verse in one of the Roman language. Essentially, a romance incorporated the elements of adventure, passion, the extraordinary, and an exaggeration of the virtues and vices of human nature. Originating from the French, the … Continue reading →

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Early Anglo-Norman Literature

Posted on July 15, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Anglo-Norman literature was a verse literature in which we find a love for word play. The tone was lighter and the themes romantic. Even when the subject was an imaginary historical or religious figure, the overall effect remained romantic. Imagination … Continue reading →

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Political History of England Under the Normans

Posted on July 8, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

The French influence upon England and its culture lasted some 300 years, creating changes in the political, social and cultural realms.  Politically, England saw an acceleration of a “united” England and a spirit of nationalism. The acceptance of a centralized … Continue reading →

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The Development of the English Language During the Anglo-Norman Period (1066-1350)

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

French influence upon England came about with the Norman conquest in 1066. In the beginning, the Norman conquerors spoke nothing but French, actually holding the Anglo-Saxon language in contempt. What we now refer to as Norman French was used for … Continue reading →

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