The earliest evidence of human activity within the Bourton-on-the-Water area
was found in the Slaughter Bridge gravel-spread, where Neolithic pottery (dated
c. 4000 B.C.) was discovered. Moreover excavations of the Salmonsbury Camp give
evidence of almost continuous habitation through the Neolithic period, the
Bronze Age and throughout England's Roman Period (c. 43 to 410 A.D.). Ancient
Roman pottery and coins discovered in the village itself give clear evidence of
extended Roman occupation. By the 11th century a Christian church was
established and the village had developed along the River Windrush much as it
is
