Below is a list of factors of why early settlers may have chose to settle in London. Each factor is followed by reasons and what it provides, and is completed with a rating out of 5 based on the importance of this factor.
Pros
The River Thames
- Provides transportation
- Drinking water supply
- Ports for trading
- Communication with other places
- Shipping creates jobs
- More workers in the community
- People can build housing near shipping ports, closer to food and supplies
- Fertile land
- Can be used for agriculture & farming
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Flatland
- A convenient place for building structures
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Mountains
- Provides protection because of the height of the mountain
- Defense against incoming/invading enemies
- Acts as a barrier against strong winds which can cause destruction
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Forests
- Trees can be used as a source of fuel
- Wood from trees can be used for building
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Natural resources
- Wood from trees (mentioned above)
- Natural resources can be used for trading with other countries
- More communication
- Communication can lead to economic development
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Location of London
- South of the UK
- Easy access to the rest of Europe
Cons
Weather
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Mountains on the outskirts of London
- Min. of 2ºC in winter months (January)
- May cause frostbite;
- Hypothermia;
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Causes depression during winter months
- Weather has a negative impact on agriculture growing process
- Photosynthesis declines because days are shorter in the winter
- London receives a large amount of rainfall every year, especially in October (73mm)
- Too much rainfall affects farming negatively
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Mountains on the outskirts of London
- Not much protection from strong winds
- Cannot protect the land in the center