Birthplace of British history: Amesbury confirmed as UK's oldest town active since 8820 BC

Experts have confirmed that Amesbury, including Stonehenge, has been continually occupied since BC8820 making it the UK’s oldest town.

16:36 05 May 2014

A Wiltshire town, Amesbury, has been confirmed as the longest running continuous settlement in the United Kingdom. 

 

Home of Stonehenge, Amesbury’s place in history is now been recognised by the Guinness Book of Records. 

 

David Jacques, from the University of Buckingham, said: "The site blows the lid off the Neolithic Revolution in a number of ways.

 

"It provides evidence for people staying put, clearing land, building, and presumably worshipping, monuments.

 

"The area was clearly a hub point for people to come to from many miles away, and in many ways was a forerunner for what later went on at Stonehenge itself.

 

"The first monuments at Stonehenge were built by these people. For years people have been asking why is Stonehenge where it is, now at last, we have found the answers."

 

"They may have had the equivalent of local guides and there would have been feasting," he added.

 

"We have found remains of big game animals, such as aurochs and red deer, and an enormous amount of burnt flint from their feasting fires."