The earliest evidence of humans in Britain dates back approximately 900,000 years ago, found on the Norfolk coast.
Understanding the Earliest Human Presence in Britain
The history of human occupation in Britain stretches back hundreds of thousands of years, revealing fascinating insights into early hominin species and their adaptation to ancient British landscapes. The evidence, primarily found through archaeological excavations, points to distinct phases of early human presence.
Earliest Occupation Evidence
The most ancient traces of human activity, indicating the earliest occupation, have been discovered at Happisburgh on the Norfolk coast. Dating back around 900,000 years ago, this site has yielded significant archaeological finds, including:
- Stone tools: Primitive stone tools, crafted by early humans, provide direct evidence of their presence and technological capabilities.
- Footprints: Remarkably, fossilized human footprints have also been found, offering an incredibly rare and direct glimpse into the physical presence of these ancient inhabitants.
These findings are widely attributed to Homo antecessor, an extinct species of hominin, suggesting they were among the very first humans to venture into what would become Britain.
Oldest Human Fossil Evidence
While the Happisburgh findings represent the earliest evidence of occupation, the oldest actual human fossils found in Britain are more recent, dating to approximately 500,000 years ago. These crucial skeletal remains were uncovered at Boxgrove in Sussex and belong to Homo heidelbergensis. This species is considered an ancestor of both Neanderthals and modern humans, highlighting a later, but still immensely ancient, phase of human presence in the region.
Key Sites of Early Human Activity
The following table summarizes the key locations and evidence for Britain's earliest human inhabitants:
| Site | Location | Approximate Age | Type of Evidence | Probable Hominin Species | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Happisburgh | Norfolk Coast | 900,000 years ago | Stone tools, human footprints | Homo antecessor | Earliest evidence of human occupation in Britain |
| Boxgrove | Sussex | 500,000 years ago | Oldest human fossils (bone fragments) | Homo heidelbergensis | Oldest direct fossil evidence of humans in Britain |
These discoveries collectively paint a picture of a dynamic prehistoric landscape, where different human species explored, settled, and adapted over vast periods. For more detailed information on this period, you can explore the topic of Prehistoric Britain.
