The Great British Who-Dunnit? Unveiling England's Oldest Town
Ever wondered where it all began in England? Forget the hustle and bustle of London, we're talking about the OG settlements, the places that were cool cats way back when dinosaurs were still deciding neckwear. Well, buckle up history buffs (and those mildly curious), because we're diving headfirst into the hilarious history who-dunnit of England's oldest town.
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| What is The Oldest Town In England |
Contenders in the Ring: A Clash of the Titans (or Should We Say, Towns?)
There are two main contenders vying for the title:
Colchester: This Essex town boasts some serious Roman cred. Back in the day, it was known as Camulodunum and was the first Roman capital of Britain. We're talking toga parties, gladiator shows, the whole shebang. There's even a mention of the place by Pliny the Elder in 77 AD, basically the ancient world's version of a Yelp review – though hopefully less prone to fake news.
Abingdon: Located in Oxfordshire, Abingdon claims to have the edge when it comes to continuous habitation. While Colchester might have had a swanky Roman phase, Abingdon seems to have been like a cozy pub that never went out of style. Archaeological finds show people kicking back here since the Stone Age, right up to the Roman era and beyond. Talk about a resilient bunch!
So, Who Wins? It's a Coin Toss... Literally
Here's the thing: defining "oldest" gets a bit tricky. Colchester has the documented bragging rights, but Abingdon might have had folks setting up campfires before anyone even knew what a toga was.
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Truth is, both towns have incredible histories, and which one you crown the champion depends on what you value more: documented history or continuous settlement. Maybe they can just share the title and have a celebratory Roman-Briton themed pub crawl?
Fun Fact: Stonehenge Wasn't Built in a Day (Amesbury Wants a Word)
While Colchester and Abingdon battle it out, a sneaky little town called Amesbury throws its hat in the ring. Apparently, there's evidence of people chilling near Stonehenge (yes, that Stonehenge) a mind-blowing 8820 BC! Now that's some serious squatting.
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So, the plot thickens! England's oldest town title might be more of a three-way tie than a head-to-head brawl.
FAQ: You've Got Questions, We've (Maybe) Got Answers
How to decide England's oldest town? There's no definitive answer, but consider what holds more weight: documented history or continuous settlement.
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
How to visit Colchester? Explore the Roman Walls, check out Colchester Castle, and maybe even visit the birthplace of the "Hooray!" (allegedly).
How to visit Abingdon? Take a stroll along the River Thames, visit Abingdon Abbey, and see if you can find any remnants of those Stone Age campfires.
QuickTip: The more attention, the more retention.
How to visit Amesbury? Well, duh, go see Stonehenge! And maybe raise a glass to the folks who were there first.
How to have the best time travel adventure ever? Apparently, move to England.
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