Prehistoric Britain

Around 4000 B.C. people from the warm south decided to move north and relocate to the isles that were later to be known as Britain. With them they brought the idea of agriculture, which in its own way brought with it changes every bit thrilling as the Industrial Revolution 6000 years later.

The early expatriates settled in stable communities, cleared the land and planted crops of wheat and barley. They also raised herds of domesticated sheep, cattle, and pigs. The societies that had earlier been created around hunting now only mainly did so as a supplement to farming.

The early English settlers moved into the drained soils of the upland hills (the Midlands) and on the coastal plains. Because of this, we can today find remains of the heaviest settlements in the chalk hills of South and West England.

The Beaker People

About 2500 B.C. a new influx of expatriates decided to settle down in early England. These newcomers are today referred to as the Beaker People because of the pottery vessels which can often be found in their round graves.

The newcomers, although they were only a few at first, quickly conquered or at least dominated the Neolithic settlers and became England's first upper class.

The Beaker People are today known for their pottery and eventually also for the first woven garments in Britain. Maybe more importantly, it seems they also were responsible for introducing an aspect of the English culture that is still is very important to this day. The Beakers introduced alcohol.