Early Modern English

Printing Press
In 1476, William Caxton set up England's first printing press in London

Language Standardisation
The spread of the printing and education helped to standardise spellings and word meanings. As books were printed in London, this further helped the London dialect to become the written standard.


 

English through the ages

Old English: 400 -1150
Middle English: 1150-1450
Early Modern English: 1450-1700
Late Modern English: 1700 to present day

David Crystal tells the story of English in 100 words

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/8824676/From-Riddle-to-Twittersphere-David-Crystal-tells-the-story-of-English-in-100-words.html

http://www.davidcrystal.com/

How the internet is changing language

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-10971949

Learn English with Ricky Gervais and Karl Pilkington

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw2bTpyHGCE