Martinsell Hill

Martinsell Hill, near Oare and north of Pewsey, is the third highest point in the county of Wiltshire, southwest England, at some 289 m / 948 ft above sea level. It is the site of an Iron Age hillfort.[1]

Martinsell Hill
View across the combe to the east of Martinsell Hill
Highest point
Elevation289 m (948 ft)
Prominence76 m (249 ft)
ListingTump
Coordinates51°22′24″N 1°44′40″W 
Geography
Martinsell Hill
Martinsell Hill in Wiltshire
LocationWiltshire,  England
Parent rangeWalbury Hill
OS gridSU178638
Topo mapOS Landranger 173

Location

Martinsell Hill rises about 2km east-northeast of the village of Oare, 2km northwest of the village of Wootton Rivers, and about 4km north-northeast of the town of Pewsey. The hill is part of an east–west ridge on the northern flanks of the Vale of Pewsey, and overlooks the Salisbury Avon and the Kennet & Avon Canal. The Mid Wilts Way runs along the back of the ridge. There is a trig point at the top. To the west are Oare Hill and the grounds of Rainscombe House.[2]

There are good views from the top, including Salisbury Cathedral, over 25 miles away.[3]

Fort

At the summit is an Iron Age univallate hillfort of 32 acres (13 ha) with a clearly visible bank and ditch system.[4] The entrance appears to be to the northeast where there is also a ditch.[4] The fort is the second highest prehistoric camp in Wiltshire.[5]

The hillfort is a scheduled ancient monument and was partially excavated by Colt Hoare.[6]

References
  1. "Martinsell Hill". Hill Bagging. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  2. Ordnance Survey Landranger map, 1:50,000 series, no. 173.
  3. "Iron Age Fort, Martinsell Hill". Visit Pewsey Vale. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  4. "Martinsell Hill Hillfort, Wiltshire". Digital Digging. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  5. "Martinsell Hill, Oare, Pewsey, Wiltshire". The Northern Antiquarian. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  6. Historic England. "Martinsell Hill camp (1005676)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 5 July 2016.


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