[3] An alternative theory to the origin of the name Martock comes from the Old English words "mart" meaning market and "ac" for oak.

This might relate to an oak tree on the spot now occupied by the Market House[4] or more precisely the column there.

The medieval hamlet of Newton, which lay between Bower Hinton and Hurst, was first referred to in 1327.

[3] Martock had a single entry in the Domesday book and expanded rapidly in the succeeding years to include dependent settlements at Bower Hinton, Hurst, Newton, Coat, Stapleton, Ash, Witcombe, Milton and Long Load, expanding between 1086 and 1302 from 89 tenants to more than 200.

The parish council has responsibility for local issues, including setting an annual precept (local rate) to cover the council's operating costs and producing annual accounts for public scrutiny.

The parish council's role also includes initiating projects for the maintenance and repair of parish facilities, as well as consulting with the district council on the maintenance, repair and improvement of highways, drainage, footpaths, public transport and street cleaning.

Conservation matters (including trees and listed buildings) and environmental issues are also the responsibility of the council.

[12] The district council is responsible for local planning and building control, local roads, council housing, environmental health, markets and fairs, refuse collection and recycling, cemeteries and crematoria, leisure services, parks, and tourism.

[13] It is also part of the Glastonbury and Somerton county constituency represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

Local businesses include arts and crafts (stonemasonry, woodworking, silversmithing) a reclamation yard,[14] and a fish and chip shop.

[32] A grant of £190,000 was obtained from the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore the building and establish a community office on the ground floor in 2008.

[33] In front of the Market House is a Market Cross, also known as The Pinnacle, with a column which dates from 1741 with a fluted Tuscan order column, on a stepped plinth, which supports a ball finial crowned with a wrought iron weathervane.

[37] The church was restored by Benjamin Ferrey, who was architect to the Diocese of Bath and Wells from 1841 until his death, and also in 1883–84 by Ewan Christian.

South West Coaches operates the 52 bus route, which connects the village with Yeovil and Bower Hinton.