| 1 |
Site
This describes the exact place where the village was originally
built.
When you think about site it is useful to ask yourself 'Why
was the village built at this specific spot, and not 200
metres away?'
Two
important factors in locating villages were:
•
easy access, for trade
• difficult access, for
more effective defence
These
two factors are not always found together in the case of
a particular village. Analyse the map to find out which
is more important.
Another
vital factor for all villages was a supply of fresh water.
Remember that most UK villages were founded in the days
before there was a piped water supply. You should also remember
that, to avoid flooding every year, early settlers tried
to build villages on land that was above the flood plain,
to ensure firm, safe foundations.
But
remember that every settlement changes over time. The original
site of the village may have been chosen for reasons that
are no longer important for the modern village today.
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2
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Situation
This
describes how the village fits in with the surrounding area
and countryside.
When you think about situation it is often useful to consider
how the village is linked to its neighbours and to major
towns around it.
The
situation of the village is not likely to change very much
over time, as it is a basic geographical fact, but the importance
and functions of neighbouring settlements may have changed
since the village was first settled.
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| 3 |
Functions
When
we talk about the 'function' of a village, we mean:
•
the employment and other facilities that the village provides
• the services that the
village provides for the residents of the village and the
area around it.
The
functions of a village can change rapidly. Most villages
in the UK were first set up to provide services for farmers
living in the region. As transport has improved, most farmers
can now travel to get these services in larger towns further
away. Village shops, schools, banks, etc., have often closed
down. Many villages are now mainly residential, with few
traditional functions.
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Reconstructing the past
It
is useful to try and reconstruct the past site and functions
of villages from maps. Map questions may well ask you to do
this.
Look
at your Get That Grade! map extract of Reading and
study the villages of Pangbourne (6376) and Whitchurch on
Thames (6377). Both these villages were first settled many
centuries ago. Then answer the following questions.
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| 1 |
Find
evidence to show that the original settlements were close
to the river. Look for:
• two pieces of evidence
in Whitchurch
• two pieces in Pangbourne
(which are similar to those for Whitchurch)
• one piece of evidence
that joins the two villages.
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| 2 |
Suggest
three reasons why these were good sites at which to
build these two villages. (See below if you need some clues.)
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| 3
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Two
main roads meet at Pangbourne. Both these routes follow similar
geographical features. Suggest reasons why the roads were
built along these routes, and why they met here.
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| 4
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Suggest
why inns were built on either side of the river in Pangbourne.
(Remember that an 'inn' was originally more than just a public
house. It was somewhere that travellers could stay the night.
Sometimes they had stables attached so that coaches could
change horses.)
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| 5
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Give
two reasons why Pangbourne might have been a good place
for a market to develop. (See below for clues.)
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| 6
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There
is a weir in Pangbourne. It suggests another function that
the village may have had, providing a service for the surrounding
agricultural community. What was this? (See below for a clue.)
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| 7 |
The
railway that runs through Pangbourne is the route from London
to Oxford. Most railways in the UK were built in the period
between 1840 and 1860. Suggest why the railway might have
helped the market at Pangbourne to develop. (See below for
a clue.)
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| 8 |
In the 20th century Pangbourne's agricultural market function
declined. However, its railway, its main roads, its situation
in the Thames valley and its attractive location helped it
to develop a new function. Suggest what its main function
is now. Explain why its site and situation encouraged its
recent development.
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| 9 |
Which
village, Pangbourne or Whitchurch, has more housing that was
built in the late 20th century? Give evidence to support your
answer. Suggest two reasons why the village you have
chosen grew more than the other village across the river.
(See below for clues.)
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| 10 |
Describe
the settlement pattern in the area north of grid line 78.
Suggest why there are few villages in this area. (See below
for a clue.)
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