The first French-speaking ruler of England was William the Conqueror, from 11th-century Normandy. His conquest brought the Norman/French language to England, adding over 10,000 words to English, many still in use today. In court, Anglo-Norman was spoken, while the common people continued with English. Over time, these languages merged, creating modern English.
The Hundred Years' War also influenced the English language by fostering nationalism and encouraging the use of English over French. Trades like bakers and shoemakers kept their Anglo-Saxon names, while others like tailors and merchants adopted French names. This blending is evident in food terminology: animals like cows, sheep, and deer have Anglo-Saxon names, but their meat forms—beef, pork, bacon, and venison—are French-derived.