What do we know about the earliest human settlements of the British isles?

by polyonymy

What do we know about prehistoric settlements in the British isles? I've done some cursory research, but can't find a lot of info on the earliest human settlements there. Do we know what groups came first, who they were, or anything about their culture or language? What time frames are we looking at, and how different were the isles then?

thearn4

Question to go with this: when people first settled Britain, was Doggerland below sea level yet (i.e. did they even need boats)?

absolutpalm

Saxons, Vikings, and Celts by Bryan Sykes is a fascinating book that explores this topic using extensive DNA testing of modern inhabitants of "The Isles" (term Sykes uses for the British Isles throughout the book). Some of of the DNA stuff gets a touch technical but he tries very hard to not overdo the hard science speak. All of your questions are addressed in some fashion. Available on Audible with a very enjoyable reader.

Searocksandtrees