Re-evaluating Mesolithic settlement patterns, landscape relations and economy in Southern Britain: a case study of the upper Kennet Valley.#
Abigail George#
(University of Bristol) #
The River Kennet is a tributary of the River Thames in Southern Britain and is just a few hours walk to both the Bristol and Hampshire Avons, meaning that during the Mesolithic period this would have given easy routeways to the Severn Estuary, the south coast and the rest of north western Europe.
Although there have been many important sites discovered in the Lower Kennet Valley, there has been limited investigation into the Upper Kennet Valley and this research aims to fill in this gap in knowledge. The geography of the research incorporates the area between the significant sites discovered by Froom at Wawcott, near Kintbury and the Avebury World Heritage Site some 34km to the west. The lack of modern development throughout the area means that there is great potential for well preserved sedimentary sequences with stratified archaeological remains, particularly on the valley floor.
This research aims to answer questions regarding the nature of the Mesolithic occupation, in particular whether it was seasonal with mobile groups utilising the Downs and the valley during different times or whether there were any periods of sedentism. The inclusion of the Avebury WHS will also answer some key questions regarding the development of the later Neolithic settlement and establishing whether there is any continuity between the later Mesolithic and Early Neolithic periods. This research will also put the Upper Kennet Valley into context regarding the Wawcott sites and those further downstream and give a clearer understanding of the Mesolithic of Southern Britain.