On an OS map, former/historic settlements are called ‘antiquities’ – an object or building, for example, from the ancient past. They are shown and named in red print and have a red dot or red circle beside them. Two crossed swords indicate a battlefield.
Ballyshannon claims to be the oldest continually settled place in Ireland. Use six-figure grid referencing to identify four examples of antiquities, which may be evidence of former/ historic settlement in the Ballyshannon area.
60 60 60 60
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86 87 88 89 90 91 92 86 87 Rural Settlement
There are a number of factors that affect the density (the amount of settlement) and location of rural settlement. Altitude
Slope Aspect
Most human settlement is found on land below 200 m (coloured green on OS maps). Land above that is often too cold, wet and windy to live on.
Most building is done on flat or gently sloping land. Farming is also easier on this type of land.
This refers to the direction in which the slope faces. South-facing slopes receive more sun and therefore are preferable for settlement.
Drainage Well-drained land is better for settlement. Marshes or rivers that are prone to flooding are avoided where possible.