Interaction of Soil and Mankind in Britain

Summary Man's initial occupation of the British landscape was subject to broad physical constraints which are still apparent from archaeological evidence and place‐name interpretation. The influence of soils in initial settlement establishment is seen to be difficult to interpret several thousand years later as environmental conditions, including soils, have changed. Conversely, man's effect on the soils surrounding his settlements is evident through agricultural and other activities. These activities have increased in their impact with the passage of time. A combination of historical geography and soil studies shows man's interaction with the country's most basic resource.