Sounds

In 1066 the world would have sounded very different. Here you can hear and see for yourself examples of Norman French and Saxon English, along with their modern equivalents (and a modern English translation of the French).

Beowulf - the Funeral of Scyld Scefing

Saxon English
spoken by Stephen Pollington

Modern English
spoken by Dr Tony Hunt, St Peter's College, University of Oxford


Le Chanson de Roland

Norman French
spoken by Dr Tony Hunt, St Peter's College, University of Oxford

Modern French
spoken by Dr Tony Hunt, St Peter's College, University of Oxford


The Song of Roland

English Translation
spoken by Dr Tony Hunt, St Peter's College, University of Oxford