[3] Martin straddles the Allen River (a tributary of the Avon) and forms the most western projection of Hampshire.

Martin is surrounded by prehistoric sites, including Bokerley Dyke,[12] and the very long Grim's Ditch which extends into Dorset and Wiltshire.

[4] In 1266 Henry III granted to Glastonbury Abbey a weekly Wednesday market in their manor of Martin, and a fair on the eve, day and morrow of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, and in 1332, Edward III granted a market on Fridays.

[4] In 1483 part of the Abbot of Glastonbury's manor of East Martin was granted to the King for the enlargement of his park of Blagdon, Dorset.

[4] The nearby manor of Tidpit was also held of Glastonbury Abbey in the 13th century, and subsequently became merged with that of Damerham.