Home    World History    Medieval Times for Teachers   Medieval Europe for Kids 

In the southern part of England, people in medieval times spoke a language called Anglo-Saxon. This language is also called Old English.

Written Old English: Although Old English is at the root of modern English, it does not look like the English we speak today.  In fact, it looks something like this: oðþæt him æghwylc þær ymbsittendra ofer hronrade hyran scolde (Beowulf, Old English). Anglo-Saxon uses only some of the same letters we use in our alphabet today. Plus, it uses three letters that we no longer use - þ ð æ

Spoken Old English: In medieval times, most people did not read or write. Perhaps that is why it is sometimes easier to hear and understand Old English than it is to read it. Still, there are many words in Old English that we do not use today. Here are some examples ...

durst – Dare; to have the necessary boldness or courage for something

whence - From where, e.g., "Whence comest thou?" means "Where do you come from?"

whither - To where, e.g., "Whither thou goest, I'll go." means "Where you go, I will go."

wit – To know, e.g., Canst thou wit what the day shall bring?

Ye Olde English

Olde English (bbc kids)