Marsden Rock

Marsden Rock
Sea stack
Marsden Rock in 2006
Location in Tyne and Wear
Coordinates: 54°58′39″N 01°22′31″W / 54.97750°N 1.37528°W / 54.97750; -1.37528
Grid position	NZ 4008 6493
Location	Tyne and Wear, North East England
Geology	Magnesian Limestone

Marsden Rock is a rock in Tyne and Wear, North East England, situated in Marsden, South Shields. It is overlooked by the Marsden Grotto. The rock is a 90 feet (27 m) sea stack of Magnesian Limestone which lies approximately 300 feet (91 m) off the main cliff face. It was formerly known for its naturally-formed arch. The arch collapsed in 1996 following a winter of storms creating two separate stacks. The smaller of the two was demolished in 1997 due to safety concerns. The remaining stack is reachable on foot during low tide but is completely surrounded by water at high tide. The cliffs surrounding Marsden Rock are an important breeding ground for seabirds and colonies can often be seen on top of the rock itself, including kittiwakes, herring gulls, and razorbills.

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