One of the earliest mentions of Marchington the place is in an manuscript held in the British National Archives; "A.D. 951. King Eadred to Wulfhelm, miles; grant of land at Marchington, Staffs". Later on Marchington is mentioned in the Domesday book where it is listed amongst the lands given to Henry de Ferrers by the King. The land consisted of four and a half square leagues of woodland and meadow; of pasture and work for more than seven ploughs. It was worth one hundred shillings. The lands remained in the ownership of the de Ferrers family as part of the earldom of Derby until the failure of the rebellion of Robert de Ferrers, 6th Earl. After his death in 1279, his widow, Eleanor, failed in a legal case to prove that she had a dower interest in the land. The lands were then held by the king's brother, Edmund, 1st Duke of Lancaster.