Martinsell Hill

Martinsell Hill, located near Oare 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 location of an Iron Age hillfort.[1][2]

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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