ABSTRACT
The gulf that divides England and France is far wider than the English Channel. Despite their geographical proximity, the inhabitants of the two countries have not always understood each other. Yet such misunderstandings as exist cannot detract from the truth that the two countries share a common history. Both were feudal monarchies in the Middle Ages; both shared a Christian heritage. The kings of England ruled over parts of western France and even claimed the French throne; many of their queens were French. Norman French was the language of the English law courts.
