England - Periods - Pre-history- Farming Starts

Farming Introduced

Placeholder image

Farming was first introduced to Britain around 4000 BCE during the Neolithic period, also known as the New Stone Age. At this time, people began to settle down in permanent communities and cultivate crops such as wheat, barley, and oats. They also raised animals such as sheep, cattle, and pigs. The practice of farming gradually spread across Britain and transformed the landscape as forests were cleared to create fields and pastures.

The exact details of who introduced farming to Britain and how it was introduced are not clear, as there are no written records from that time. However, it is believed that farming was introduced to Britain by migrants from continental Europe, who brought with them new technologies, ideas, and farming practices.

These early farmers are thought to have arrived in Britain around 4000 BCE, possibly from present-day Belgium, France, or the Netherlands. They are known as the "Beaker people" because of their distinctive pottery style. The Beaker people were skilled in agriculture, and they brought with them the knowledge and tools needed to cultivate crops and raise animals.

It is likely that the Beaker people gradually introduced farming to Britain, spreading their practices and knowledge through trade and contact with local communities. As they settled in the area, they cleared the forests and began to cultivate crops, creating the agricultural landscape that we see in Britain today.

During the Neolithic period, the main crops that were cultivated in Britain were wheat, barley, oats, and peas. These crops were typically grown using a combination of slash-and-burn agriculture and plough-based cultivation.

In slash-and-burn agriculture, farmers would clear a patch of land by cutting down trees and burning the vegetation. The ash from the burned plants would provide nutrients for the soil, and the cleared land could be used for farming. However, this method was only sustainable for a few years before the soil became depleted, so farmers would move on to a new patch of land.

Plough-based cultivation was a more sustainable method of farming that involved using a wooden plough to turn over the soil and create furrows. Farmers would then plant the seeds in the furrows and cover them with soil. This method allowed farmers to cultivate the same patch of land year after year by adding manure or other organic materials to the soil to replenish its nutrients.

The cultivation of crops was also influenced by the climate and geography of Britain. The mild, damp climate of the country was well-suited for growing crops such as wheat and barley, which could be used to make bread and ale. Peas were also a popular crop, as they were easy to grow and provided a source of protein.

The introduction of farming played a significant role in advancing the culture of the people in Britain during the Neolithic period. Prior to the introduction of farming, the people of Britain were primarily hunter-gatherers who lived in small, nomadic communities. With the development of agriculture, people began to settle down in permanent communities, allowing for the development of more complex social structures, art, and technology.

The establishment of permanent settlements allowed for the development of larger communities, which in turn led to the creation of more complex social structures, including the emergence of leadership roles and specialized occupations. The development of agriculture also led to the creation of surplus food, which allowed for the growth of trade and commerce, as well as the development of new technologies and art forms.

The use of new technologies such as plows, sickles, and grinding stones, made possible by the cultivation of crops, allowed for the production of more food with less labor. This freed up people's time to pursue other activities such as art, music, and storytelling. The development of art during this time is evidenced by the creation of impressive stone structures such as Stonehenge, which was built during the Neolithic period.

In summary, the introduction of farming allowed the people of Britain to advance culturally by enabling the development of permanent settlements, more complex social structures, new technologies, and artistic expression.

While the Beaker People did not build Stonehenge, they were present in Britain during the period when the monument was constructed and may have been involved in its construction or use.

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England, that consists of a ring of standing stones, some weighing up to 25 tons, arranged in a circular pattern. It is estimated to have been built between 3000 BCE and 2000 BCE, during the Late Neolithic period and the Early Bronze Age.

The exact purpose of Stonehenge is not known, but it is thought to have had both religious and astronomical significance. The monument may have been used for rituals related to the cycles of the sun and moon, or as a burial site for important members of the community.

The Beaker People were present in Britain during the period when Stonehenge was built and may have been involved in its construction or use. The Beaker People are known for their skills in architecture and engineering, as evidenced by the construction of megalithic tombs and other stone structures. Some researchers have suggested that the Beaker People may have contributed to the construction of Stonehenge or other stone circles in Britain.

However, the exact role of the Beaker People in the construction of Stonehenge and other stone circles remains a subject of debate among archaeologists and historians. Nonetheless, their presence in Britain during this period suggests that they played a significant role in the cultural development of the region, and their influence can be seen in the architecture, technology, and art of the time.

The Beaker Culture

The Beaker People were a prehistoric culture that inhabited Britain and parts of Europe during the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age periods, from around 2800 BCE to 1800 BCE. They are named after their distinctive pottery vessels, known as beakers, which were often buried with the dead as part of their funerary practices.

The Beaker People are believed to have originated in central Europe, possibly from the Iberian Peninsula or the Rhine Valley. They were a complex society that had a significant impact on the culture and development of Britain.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the Beaker People were skilled in metallurgy, pottery-making, and agriculture. They were also skilled traders and may have had extensive networks of exchange with other cultures throughout Europe. It is thought that they introduced new technologies and practices, including the use of copper and bronze for tools and weapons, and the cultivation of crops such as barley and wheat.

The Beaker People are also known for their funerary practices. They often buried their dead in large stone tombs known as megaliths or barrows, sometimes accompanied by their possessions and beakers. The presence of these artifacts suggests that the Beaker People believed in an afterlife and that the deceased were equipped with items they would need in the next world.

Overall, the Beaker People played an important role in the cultural development of Britain during the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age periods, introducing new technologies, practices, and beliefs that had a lasting impact on the region.

If you have a suggestion regarding additional topics you would like to see included - please let us know

Reference: Article by Greg Scott (Staff Historian), 2024

i

History & Heritage

Access History creates and posts content, articles, and subject matter relating to history and heritage
Copyright 2025 to Clio Society. All rights reserved and images and logos are created and presented for the general use of the public and educational institutions All content is the responsibility of Access.
Use of this website constitutes acceptance of Access terms and conditions
Placeholder image