The sign The Sign

The two identical signs were made by Graham Chaplin of the Buxhall forge and consists of painted wrought iron and erected in 2001. One sign can be seen to the north of the village on Martlesham Heath and the other on Eagle Way opposite the BT tower, both just off the A12.

Heather and the Silver-studded Blue butterfly represent Martlesham Heath as well as the gorse and grass stems above and below. The British Telecom, Adastral Park research tower is shown in the top right, the Red Lion pub from the red ships figure head in the bottom left and St Mary’s church is represented by the symbols in the top left and bottom right. The RAF roundel and the USAAF start can be seen in the spandrels along with two aircraft flying out of the frame of Martlesham’s sign are representative of the important part played by RAF Martlesham in developing Airborne Interception radar and the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment which were vital from the start of World War Two.

The Name and Population
The population was 5,478 at the 2011 census. Known as Merlesham in 1086, Marlesham in 1216 and Martelsham in 1254. It possibly means "The homestead or village of a man called Maerel". from Old English.

Other Points of Interest
It is believed that there was a Roman settlement at Martlesham and in the parish there have been some 26 finds dating from the Roman occupation.

The church is dedicated to St Mary.