Contrary to common assumption, English is not Latinate. Latin does not underpin the structure of the English language in terms of its grammar or syntax.
English is a Germanic language built on Anglo-Saxon foundations. Its core character was established long before the Romans arrived.
Where Latin has played a crucial role is in the evolution of the English lexicon or vocabulary.
Romans and Religion
Perhaps surprisingly, the Roman occupation of Britain had little initial impact on English usage. Place names like London, Bath & Chester are rare indications of the language of the occupiers.It was the arrival of Christian missionaries in the 6th and 7th centuries that introduced significant numbers of Latin words into the lexicon. Latin was the lingua franca or common language of the wider Christian world.
All ceremonies, including the Mass, were conducted in Latin.
How church words entered common English
Although most English Catholics did not understand Latin, religious words like abbot, altar, apostle & candle gradually came into common use.
And following the Norman invasion of 1066, Latin words entered English through the Trojan horse of Norman French.
Over 60% of the words used in modern English have a Latin root. The vast majority have been introduced since the Norman Conquest.