Marsden Rock

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

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 a feature included on many local 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 Magnesian 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 on the Dorset coast. 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.

Images

  • The Rock in 1969

  • In 1974, before the collapse of the arch

  • Marsden Rock

  • Marsden Rock from the clifftop

  • Marsden Rock (left), 2005

External links

Coordinates: 54°58′39″N 1°22′32″W / 54.977423°N 1.37548°W / 54.977423; -1.37548

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