* Anglo-Saxon (Old English): Around the 5th century AD, Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons, Jutes) migrated to Britain, bringing their languages with them. Their language, known as Old English, became the foundation for English.
* Norman French: In 1066, the Norman conquest of England brought a large influx of French words and grammar into the language. This resulted in a significant change in vocabulary and pronunciation.
* Latin: Latin, the language of the Roman Empire, also had a lasting impact on English, influencing vocabulary and grammar.
* Other influences: Over time, English has borrowed words from languages such as Greek, Dutch, Spanish, and many others, enriching its vocabulary.
Therefore, the development of English was a long and complex process, influenced by countless individuals and communities over time. It's impossible to pin down a single "discoverer".