There is evidence of human habitation in the area around Poulton from 10,000 BC. In 1970 building work in nearby Carleton uncovered the 12,000-year-old skeleton of an elk, along with two bone or antler points close to its hind bones. At the time of the Roman conquest of Britain in the 1st century AD, the area was inhabited by a Celtic tribe called the Setantii. A 4th century hoard of 400 Roman coins was found in the area, near Fleetwood. Other finds have been made in Poulton and Skippool; in addition to coins, these have included a medal of Germanicus and a hipposandal (similar to a horseshoe).