The birth of British identity began 5,000 years ago when the country found itself secluded from the continent in a ‘late Neolithic Brexit’ archaeologists believe.

A new study suggests that monuments like Stonehenge and Avebury acted like prehistoric focal points, drawing Britons from the far corners of Scotland, England and Wales to central meeting places in England where they could feast together as compatriots.

The lengthy pilgrimages have been uncovered by studying pig bones at settlements surrounding megalithic stone circles and henges, which show the animals had travelled vast distances.

The mass gatherings probably coincided with important dates in the agricultural calendar, and according to archaeologists, demonstrate a level of social complexity, mobility and national identity not previously appreciated.

Dr Richard Madgwick of the School of History, Archaeology and Religion and Cardiff University, said: “Both the scale and volume of movement was much bigger than we suspected we would find.

“One of the reasons was a loss of contact with continental Europe during this period. This was a late Neolithic Brexit and we start seeing evidence of a pan-British society, rather than trans-continental links.

“We get the same pottery styles throughout Britain during this period and although I am sure there were still tribes, this is the first time we see pan-British events which even if everyone didn’t go on these pilgrimages, they would have known about them, and recognised their importance.