Martinsell Hill
Early-attested site in the Parish of Pewsey
Historical Forms
- Mattelesore 1257 For 1300 Stowe
- Mattelesore 1280 FF
- Matlesore 1302 Pat
- Matelsore 1339 For
- Matteleshora 1370 Ipm
- Martinshall hill 1549 WMxiii
Etymology
The second element in this name is clearly ora, 'bank.' The first element must be associated with the OE name for the camp which stands on the top of it, the Mætelmesburg of the Pewsey charter (BCS 784). The full name for the ora was doubtless Mætelmesora , i.e. 'Mæþelhelm 's bank.' The development of the name may have been affected by the neighbourhood of motenesora (see under Oare supra 325) which really forms part of the same ridge as it curves round to the west.