Marsden Rock

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Map of Tyne and Wear showing the location of Marsden Rock at grid reference NZ395650

Marsden Rock on the left, after the collapse of the arch. Although the arch could not be seen from this aspect.

Marsden Rock is a rock formation in Tyne and Wear, North East England, situated in Marsden, South Shields. It is owned by the National Trust. The face of the rock was changed forever when tidal erosion caused the arch to collapse in 1996. Prior to this it was the feature included on most postcards and photographs. The rock is still home to sea bird colonies, with thousands of pairs of Black-legged Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Gulls and Cormorants.

The rock is a 100-foot sea stack of periclase and limestone which lies approximately 100 yards off the main cliff face. In 1803 a flight of steps was constructed up the side of the rock. In 1903 several choirs climbed onto the rock to perform a choral service. In 1911 a large section of the rock collapsed into the sea, leaving an arch similar to Durdle Door. This arch collapsed in 1996, splitting the rock into two separate stacks. In 1997 the smaller stack was declared unsafe and was demolished in the interests of public safety.

It is reachable on foot during low tide, but is completely surrounded by water at high tide. It is overlooked by The Marsden Grotto.