Settlement - Towns and Cities

1. Settlements are places where people live, which can range from single buildings to large cities.

2. A town was a place that had been given a charter to hold a market or fair.

3. Towns grew as people moved to them in search of job.

4. Towns and cities provide services and facilities for people who live in and around them.

5. Many have a large range of shops and a shopping centre, some have museums or a theatre.

6. Most towns have churches and provide schools and pre-schools.

7. Restaurants, bars and cafes are attracted to thriving towns.

8. Town halls were built as statements of pride in a town, showing how important it was, and are often very grand.

9. Public libraries were also built in towns.

10. In the UK a town can only become a city by order of the king or queen.

11. Many cities have a cathedral or a university.

12. Cities have large populations, shops, industrial and business areas and good roads and transport links.

13. The central business district is usually found in the middle of a city.

14. It is home to large department stores, shops, offices and banks

15. Plenty of entertainment can be found there as it is usually a busy part of the city.

16. Buildings are often tall in the central business district because land is expensive.

17. Offices and hotels are often found in this area, providing jobs for many people in the local area.

18. Urban parks and green spaces are a very important part of the urban environment, improving the quality of people’s lives.

19. One of the biggest problems facing towns and cities today is traffic congestion.

20. Many cities are now preventing the use of cars in city centres.

21. Pedestrian areas have been introduced, which reduce both air and noise pollution.

22. Some cities have Park and Ride schemes, others charge motorists to enter the city centre.

23. Many large industrial cities fell into decline due to factories, dockyards and mines closing.

24. They have been given grants to provide good housing and facilities and to create jobs for local people.

25. This improves the quality of life for people living in the area.

26. Suburbs are residential areas close to cities.

27. Buildings in the suburbs tend to be newer and have gardens as land is cheaper than in the town.

28. There are more open spaces and parks in suburbs and less pollution.

29. Suburbs are popular with commuters who live there and travel to work.

30. Conurbations are urban areas comprising of a number of towns or cities that have grown and joined together.