Reference

Birstall, located in West Yorkshire, England, had several geographical advantages in prehistoric times. According to the search results, these advantages included:

1. Proximity to Ancient Thoroughfares: Birstall's location made it within easy reach of the main thoroughfares of ancient Yorkshire, providing a strategic position for travel and trade. This is supported by the Wikipedia page on Birstall, which states, "This location would give Birstall a great geographical advantage, making it within easy reach of the main thoroughfares of ancient Yorkshire" Birstall, West Yorkshire - Wikipedia.

2. Prehistoric Trackway: A prehistoric trackway is known to have come into Birstall from the direction of Leeds and Drighlington, indicating that the area was an important part of ancient transportation networks. This is mentioned in the "Birstall Conservation Area Appraisal" by Kirklees Council, which states, "The origins of Birstall are unclear although a prehistoric trackway is known to have come into Birstall from the direction of Leeds and Drighlington" Birstall Conservation Area Appraisal - Kirklees Council.

3. Saxon Origins and Strategic Hilltop Location: The "Old Village" of Birstall probably has its origins in Saxon times, and the name was first recorded as BurhSteall, meaning “old disused fort”. This suggests that Birstall was a significant location for early settlements, likely due to its defensible position on a hilltop. This information is found in the "Birstall Conservation Area Character Appraisal" Birstall Conservation Area Character Appraisal.

4. Natural Features: Birstall church is separated by a stream at the bottom of its churchyard from the core of the old town on the opposite hilltop, indicating the use of natural features for settlement layout and defense. This is mentioned on the CRSBI website, which states, "Birstall church is separated by a stream at the bottom of its churchyard from the core of the old town on the opposite hilltop" St Peter, Birstall, Yorkshire, West Riding - CRSBI.

These geographical advantages would have made Birstall an important location for prehistoric populations, facilitating movement, trade, and settlement.