Martinsell Hill
Martinsell Hill | |
---|---|
Highest point | |
Elevation | 289 m (948 ft) |
Prominence | 76 m (249 ft) |
Listing | Tump |
Geography | |
Location | Wiltshire, England |
Parent range | Walbury Hill |
OS grid | SU178638 |
Topo map | OS Landranger 173 |
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]
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
- ^ "Martinsell Hill". Hill Bagging. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
- ^ a b Ordnance Survey Landranger map, 1:50,000 series, no. 173.
- ^ "Iron Age Fort, Martinsell Hill". Visit Pewsey Vale. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
- ^ a b "Martinsell Hill Hillfort, Wiltshire". Digital Digging. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
- ^ "Martinsell Hill, Oare, Pewsey, Wiltshire". The Northern Antiquarian. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
- ^ Historic England. "Martinsell Hill camp (1005676)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 5 July 2016.