1. Old English (c. 450-1150): This period encompasses the language spoken by Anglo-Saxons in England, with strong influences from Germanic languages. Examples of literature from this period include "Beowulf" and the "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle."
2. Middle English (c. 1150-1500): This period saw significant changes to the language, primarily due to the Norman Conquest of 1066. French words were introduced, and the language started to evolve from Old English to something closer to what we speak today. The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer is a famous example of Middle English literature.
3. Early Modern English (c. 1500-1800): The Renaissance and the printing press during this period led to standardization of the language. Shakespeare's plays are prime examples of this period.
4. Modern English (c. 1800-present): This period is marked by continued evolution of the language, influenced by globalization, technological advancements, and cultural shifts.
There are other ways to divide the history of English, but these four periods are the most commonly recognized and widely accepted.