ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the Tudor dynasty which brought England a relatively long period of peace, prosperity, and economic and territorial expansion, thus facilitating the spread of Southern English. It looks at the effects of printing, which became more widespread and reinforced the notion of a standard, as initiated in the late Middle English period with the rise of London and Chancery English. The chapter shows how religion caused violent dislocations and confessional conflict beginning under the Tudors and coming to a head in Stuart England; this conflict was the result of fundamental socio-economic change and the need for a more rapid change in social structures. It reviews major linguistic developments and exemplifies them in the domains of religion, especially the Bible in translation, and scientific writing. The chapter also includes literary excerpts from Sidney and Congreve. It provides a final short look at regional differences.
