Mesolithic and Neolithic
Mesolithic
In the Mesolithic there are several sites along the edge of the gravel terrace and Thames floodplain, ie close to the river, emphasising the closed nature of the woodland and the importance of the river for transport.
Mesolithic activity on Castle Hill
A few struck flints have been found from Castle Hill, but otherwise evidence of Early Neolithic activity is slight.
Later in the Neolithic there is an axe from College Farm behind Long Wittenham. A spread of Neolithic flint scatters of Middle or Late Neolithic date stretching east from Long Wittenham across the gravel terrace. Possibly this represents an early track crossing from west to east across the neck of the bow in the Thames, following the slightly higher ground.
Neolithic evidence
The Neolithic evidence suggests short-lived occupation, with repeated visits to areas once cleared. It also indicates the importance of the high ground for viewing the surrounding landscape and the early establishment of routes across the landscape.
