THE earliest records of mankind in this area date back to the New Stone Age period, about 4000 to 2000 BC. These Neolithic men formed isolated tribes and were involved in primitive farming. Their wanderings in the area became known as the Summer Roads. One example was the Salt Road from Northwich to Huddersfield, which passed through Salford, Blackley, Alkrington, Chadderton and Royton.
By 2500 BC the Brigantes arrived in Britain, having migrated from Spain. These people hunted with stone tools in the forests of the Pennines, painted their bodies and wore animal skins, and were never totally subdued by the might of Rome. A typical Brigantine name is Boothroyden, which translates as a fortified farm in a forest clearing. </P>
During the period 2100 to 1700 BC the Beakerfolk were established along the Upper Irk. These people - usually hunters and quite capable of intricate surgery - could work bronze into intricate shapes, trading their wares to Ireland and the continent. They might be considered the first Celts. Much of the higher ground around the Irk would have suited these people, especially the Barrowfields area in Middleton. It is likely that races of people from Neolithic to Roman times used this as a burial area. More
