William the Conqueror, the first Norman King of England, died in 1087 in Rouen, France. His death marked the end of an era of significant political change in England, as he had transformed the country through conquest and the establishment of Norman rule. This transition set the stage for the feudal system and influenced the development of the English language and culture, leading to a rich literary tradition in the centuries to follow.

William's reign and the subsequent Norman influence on England significantly shaped the English language, incorporating many Norman French words that would later appear in poetry. Poets like Geoffrey Chaucer, writing in the late 14th century, would draw upon this rich linguistic heritage, blending Anglo-Saxon and Norman elements in their works. The cultural shifts initiated by William's conquest laid the groundwork for a vibrant literary culture in England.