What is a nucleated pattern?

Answer 1

A nucleated settlement pattern is a strong settlement pattern of compact villages of varying sizes with little dispersal in wider countryside.

It often develops where defense is a priority, such as inside a meander (a bend on a river) or on a hilltop (for instance, Caerphilly). Cardiff developed as a nucleated settlement because its naturally moated castle could be easily defended.

Nucleated settlements are towns where buildings are close together, often clustered around a central point.