http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/interactive/timelines/language_timeline/hoelt.swf
via bbc.co.uk
Thank you to Helen (Y13 English Language) for sharing this multimedia resource on the history of English. Lots of clicky, pressy stuff there for those who like that sort of thing (and make sure you have speakers / earphones for the audio clips of texts from different time periods).
This is great for A03 (context) on ENGB4, but don’t forget that in the exam, there will be no data from before 1700, and that mere ‘dumping’ of knowledge about historical facts and events will get you nowhere.
It is understanding of the processes of language change, as illustrated by specific examples from the data given PLUS examples and concepts from your own language study that gets the marks.
Heald English 