A FLEETING GLANCE TO THE HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN LONDON

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Anglos, Saxes and Jutes are the names for the three Germanic tribes that invaded Britain and which gave origin to English, or, Anglo-Saxon which was the name used at the time. That is why nowadays Spanish speakers use the word anglosajón when referring to things with an English origin.   

Beowulf, a brave Geatish warrior who fought against dragons and demons to save innocent civilians, was the most popular character of this period since Beowulf is the best preserved epic poem of Old English. You can take panoramic bus hop-on hop-off to stop No. 11 “Euston Station” of our Camden Loop to go to the British Library. There you will be able to have a look at the original copy of the poem.

Still, with the Norman Conquest the English language became Gallicised. For that reason currently 45% of English words have a French origin, even though Romance speakers find English language really Germanic.

The Tabard Inn was the starting point for the Canterbury pilgrimage. Hence, pilgrims from Chaucer’s masterpiece “Canterbury Tales” also stayed there. This is the most important work of Middle English. With Tourist bus London City Tour you will reach Stop No. 6 “London Bridge” of our Tower Loop. Just across the bridge you will find the street where this pilgrimage took place. Regrettably, the Tabard Inn was demolish some time ago but you can still find a blue plaque just next to the George Inn, the oldest pub in London.

Later on, Shakespeare entered the scene and with his peculiar writing changed grammar structures and created idioms we still use today such as “break the ice” or “love is blind”.

Tragic lovers, Romeo and Juliet, children of opposing families, are probably the most popular literary characters. Garrick Theatre will be showing this play until the 13rd of August. Take panoramic tourist bus and get off at Stop No. 5 “Trafalgar Square” of our West End Loop to know the story of this fateful romance.

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