Spatial analysis of mesolithic site patterning in England and Wales

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dc.contributor.authorCastleford, Johnen_US
dc.date.accessioned2024-08-13T17:27:55Z
dc.date.available2024-08-13T17:27:55Z
dc.date.copyright1987en_US
dc.date.issued1987
dc.degree.departmentDepartment of Anthropology
dc.degree.levelMaster of Arts M.A.en
dc.description.abstractThis is a study of Mesolithic settlement in England and Wales. Using a site gazetteer database, all known Mesolithic sites were plotted in relation to large scale environmental features using an abitrary site size typology. The main objectives were to (i) investigate the number of sites and differential density rates across England as a whole, (ii) examine site patterning in selected areas using techniques of point pattern analysis and (iii) investigate some of the spatial and environmental correlates of the technological inventory of a large sample of the largest known sites from England and Wales. Quadrat Analysis was used in (ii) and Discriminant Function Analysis was used in (iii). A general regional interpretation was then attempted in which overall patterns of settlement are discussed in relation to broad environmental features and the tests undertaken. The main findings were that (i) site density levels were highest in the Pennines and Southeast England, and that eastern England had a generally far higher incidence of sites than anywhere else; (ii) Ouadrat analysis revealed the presence of non-random clustered site patterns in all the areas subjected to spatial analysis. This was most pronounced in low-lying areas, but was only tentatively accepted for the one upland area tested; (iii) Discriminant Function Analysis revealed that tool kits can be differentiated with respect to inland and coastal location. Problems with the lines of evidence and their effect on the validity of the findings were discussed. The general conclusion was that site patterning is heavily influenced by major environmental factors such as rivers, upland areas and littoral zones. Finally, suggestions for further research are discussed.
dc.format.extent198 pages
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1828/17405
dc.rightsAvailable to the World Wide Weben_US
dc.titleSpatial analysis of mesolithic site patterning in England and Walesen_US
dc.typeThesisen_US

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