The island of Ouessant forms part of a small island archipelago located
off the north western peninsula of Brittany, France. When viewed on a
map the islands strategic location as a confluence for northern and
southern european shipping routes is notable.
LINK to a map of the celtic sea showing the islands location in relation to the UK and continental europe.
It is the islands
location and geography which has shaped its history. Archeological
excavations on the island reveal habitation from the earliest times of
human settlement in Europe. Far from being an isolated outcrop of
granite in an inaccessible sea. Its position at the entrance to the English
channel made it an important if dangerous promontory.
Study of an early iron age site of habitation on the island has been able to gain an insight into island life. Its culture shows links to central european populations and confirms
the island as a stopping point on an important migratory route for both people and animals
from the mediterranean via the atlantic coast to northern europe.
Sheep were present in good number and examination of the skeletal remains concludes that they were small, gracile and little differentiated from those to be found on the continent at that time. It would seem that the insular conditions contributed to maintain a population of sheep and develop a breed which has changed little since the iron age.