How do towns come about?

After Roman times, towns developed gradually as society adapted to new political and economic conditions. Following the decline of Roman administration in Britain, many Roman towns were abandoned or reduced in size. Over time, new settlements emerged around key locations such as river crossings, fortified sites, religious centers, and trade routes. Anglo-Saxon communities often reused Roman ruins for building materials or defensive advantages. Markets, churches, and royal estates attracted people and encouraged growth. As trade revived and populations increased, these settlements expanded, eventually forming medieval towns that became centers of commerce, governance, and community life.