feel like hangovers from an old mediaeval version of the language.

This is pure conjecture on my part, but I think that might be the explanation.

Also like @Forester@pawb.social alluded to, English really isn’t one language, but more like 4(+) languages in a trench coat pretending to be one. Lots of weird shit that really doesn’t make much sense unless viewed from a perspective of language development & history