Settlement

What is a settlement?• A settlement is a place where

people live permanently.

• This could range from a hamlet to a huge city.

How did it all begin?What did this area of England look like 1000 years ago?

Early humans were hunters and gatherers. They lived by eating fruits and berries, and hunting…

…which meant they were always on the move, chasing sources of food.

Then, one day, they noticed something amazing: where they dropped seeds, plants grew!

Then, one day, they noticed something amazing: where they dropped seeds, plants grew!

So they began to settle down in one place and grow their food. These were the first farmers. This was the start of permanent settlement.

Explain why settlements began 12,000 years ago!

• Mention the first agricultural revolution.

• Explain why this meant people stopped being nomadic.

Site and Situation• The Site of a settlement is the exact

location where the settlement is located. Eg. On level ground, dry land, etc.

• The situation of a settlement is the location of the settlement with respect to other places and features. Eg. Near to a river, north of a forest.

• Describe the SITE and SITUATION of this school.

Describe the Site and Situation of Venice.

Your Turn…

• In groups of 2 or 3…

• Consider the factors people would have thought important when choosing a good site and situation for their settlement.

• Create a star diagrams (or lists) and include both Physical Factors, and Economic Factors.

Factors to consider when choosing

where to locate a settlement

Wet-Point Site

Near to fresh water for drinking, washing, or irrigation.Could be near a river or at a spring

Defence

On a hill, surrounded by water (island, meander or marsh).

Arable Land

Near to good rich soil for growing crops (arable land).

Flat Relief

On flat land where it is easy to build houses, roads and farm.

Dry Point Site

On dry land, which is not liable to flooding.

Resources-wood

Near to Woods/Forest for fuel, building materials and hunting/gathering

Building Materials Near to stone, wood, mud which could be used for building materials

Nodal Point

At a route centre. Where roads/rivers meet, which encourages trade. Especially at fords and bridges. Bridging points and lowest bridging points

Resources-Fish

Near to the sea. For trade and a source of food

ShelterProtected from cold winds

AspectSouth facing slopes

Resources-MineralsLocation at or near where valuable minerals are extracted. Oil, Coal, Gold etc.

ASPECT

The first river crossings were Fords.

Select the best site for a settlement

In groups of 4 or 5 (5 minute activity)

• Collect a photograph of a settlement.• For your photo decide whether it is a good site for a

settlement or not. Give reasons for your answer.• For your photograph, suggest at least 2 reasons why

you think it was chosen.• Try to identify where your photograph was taken. Use

the country list below. (note- there are 9 countries listed, 4 countries will not be used)Japan, Kenya, England, France, Switzerland, The Philippines, Holland, Canada, Morocco