England & Wales Hardwicke Marriage Index
Marriages 1754 - 1837
Marrick St Andrew

The Parish

The parish of Marrick lies in northwestern North Yorkshire not too far away from its borders with both neighbouring Westmorland but also County Durham. Marrick is located about 7 miles west of the market town of Richmond in the uplands of Swaledale. Marrick is a small and compact village sitting on the northern side of the River Swale about a half mile north of the B6270 road which connects Reeth with Richmond on the equivalent southern bank. Swaledale is famous for two economic activities and both were mainstays of Marrick's economy. The main economic driver was the extensive lead mines, some of the oldest in England, the spoil from these mines and their "hushes" still scar the northern slopes of Swaledale but provided a hard living for the men involved, the other main economic activity was the raising of Swaledale sheep, still a mainstay of the local economy. Today a further driver is the (somewhat controversial) "sport" of driven grouse shooting which dominates the heather moors of the area. A feature of Swaledale, and a source of income, is the "Coast to Coast Trail" which passes through Marrick on its way from Irish to North Seas. The Swale, which drains eastwards, heads off on a long journey to reach the North Sea through the Humber estuary. Marrick is sited at around 300 metres above sea level, 140 metres above the level of the Swale but also a further 100 metres lower than local heights on Marrick Moor. Marrick parish, typically for an upland northern parish, covered an extensive area (much of it relatively untamed moorland) of around 6,000 acres, it would have supported a population of around 650 parishioners although the population is somewhat lower today. In Domesday times Marrick was held by one Count Alan of Brittany, its assets were not specifically listed but at 5 geld units it was a profitable holding.

The Church

St Andrew's church lies about 3/4 of a mile west of Marrick village at the end of a metalled lane following the Swale from Reeth (used by the Coast to Coast Trail). The church was constructed in 1811 from materials and incorporating parts of the former Priory, reputedly Benedictine and 12th century which lies in ruins around the site. It is difficult to identify what is original structure and what is merely reused portions but Pevsner is sure some portions are 13th century and others reused 13th century pieces. The church is best accessed along the narrow lane from Reeth, the site is part of the Outdoor Recreation Centre.