Unit 3, Topic 2 – Settlement Change

SETTLEMENT – place where a community lives Settlements do not happen accidently or grow by chance Their location, shape and growth is affected by physical, human and economic factors SITE – land on which a settlement built on The original decision on choosing the site would have been influence by many factors

BESANCON - FRANCE

TADCASTER

ELY- CAMBRIDGSHIRE

DURHAM

SOUTHAMPTON

5 key settlement factors Water Supply Defence Communications 5 key settlement factors Shelter Aspect

Water Supply – drinking, food, cleaning, transport WET POINT SITES – sites located near rivers, lakes or springs DRYPOINT SITES – sites located above the floodplain

Aspect and Shelter South facing slopes receive more sun > warmer South facing slopes more sheltered from cold northern winds Most settlements began as agricultural

Defence Very important in centuries past High ground, surrounded by river, mouth of river

Communications Settlements grew where rivers could be crossed (BRIDGING POINT) – London, Oxford, Paris Junctions of valleys, gaps through hills Good communications > good trade > markets

Resources Early settlers needed timber, stone. Later on Coal, Oil Also food and precious materials