Church of St. Martin, Marlborough

Between 1252 and 1254 this church was built on 'new land' to the east of Marlborough in Preshute parish, doubtless to serve people living in this area, into which the town was expanding. It was dedicated to St. Martin, whose name is still in use for this area, and the rector of Preshute was given money to find a chaplain. In 1270 the building was enlarged or repaired. It was noted that in 1499 it was served by a friar, which was contrary to canon law. St. Martin's was described as a parish by the early 16th century, as it possessed its own church. It was transferred from Preshute to the Marlborough parish of St. Mary's c.1548 but by 1567 it had ceased to be used for services. It may be that St. Mary's felt that another church so close to their own was unnecessary. The church stood in what is now Coldharbour Lane.