 It has been confirmed by archaeologists that it is the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the United Kingdom, having been first settled around 8820 BC.King Alfred the Great left it in his will, a copy of which is in the British Library, to his youngest son Aethelweard (c. 880–922).Eleanor of Provence, queen consort of Henry III of England, died in Amesbury on 24 or 25 June 1291, and was buried in Amesbury Priory.