Marsden Rock

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

Marsden Rock
In 1969, from the south
Location in Northern England
LocationTyne and Wear, North East England
Coordinates54°58′39″N 1°22′31″W

The rock is a 100 feet (30 m) sea stack of periclase and Magnesian Limestone which lies approximately 100 yards (91 m) 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. A juggling show was also performed by a group of trainee clowns who worked for Marsden Quarry.

In 1911 a large section of the rock collapsed into the sea leaving it as an arch. Continued tidal erosion caused the arch to collapse in 1996, splitting the rock into two separate stacks. Prior to this it had featured on many local postcards and photographs. In 1997 the smaller stack was declared unsafe and was demolished in the interests of public safety.

The rock is home to seabird colonies, with thousands of pairs of black-legged kittiwakes, fulmars, gulls and cormorants.

Images
  • In 1974, from the south
  • In 2005, from the north (after collapse of the arch and demolition of the smaller remaining stack)
  • From the clifftop
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