Over time, the peat, sand and mud hardened to form the coal measures and the land drifted north of the equator.

The ice age which occurred around 15,000 years ago was largely responsible for shaping the current landscape of the Marsden coastline and surrounding area.

In 2018, it was reported that the materials forming the cliffs near Marsden Rock were weak and highly prone to fragmentation, with continued evidence of weathering.

[7]The limestone cliffs which surround Marsden Rock are among the most important breeding colonies for seabirds in the north east of England.

[17] In the summer, the cliffs by Marsden Rock are home to fulmars, cormorants, kittiwakes, herring gulls, and razorbills.

[18][19][17] In 1998, it was reported that Marsden Rock was the site of the only recorded breeding ground for Manx shearwater on the east coast on mainland Britain.

[20] Marsden Rock has long been a local tourist attraction and significant landmark due to its appearance and history.

It is believed to have once been a location for smuggling brandy and tobacco,[22] the surrounding high cliff-faces providing cover for the moor boats.

[26] A subsequent inhabitant, Peter Allan, was a local eccentric tavern-owner and builder who carved a home out of the rocks in Marsden Bay.

[27] By the late 19th century, the top of Marsden Rock was accessible by ladders and stairs which had been constructed by Peter Allan and his family.

[23] A contemporary news report recorded the event as "most inspiring to the listeners as they stood on the high cliffs of the mainland, and heard the great swell of choral praise floating over the wide waters and ascending to heaven.

[23][21] It is pictured on the Marsden Lodge Banner which represents the pitmen who worked in Whitburn Colliery alongside the phrase "Firm as a rock we stand".