There were Marstons in Hampsthwaite that pre-date the ancestors described in this family tree, the Marstons described here derive from a single individual, Eleanor Marston of Birstwith. All the Marstons in this family tree derive from Eleanor Marston's only surviving son Robert Marston. Whilst the family carries the family name Marston its ancestry is attributable to an affair between Eleanor Marston, a widow, and another person, assumed to be Robert Moorhouse. Eleanor married Samuel Marston of an established Marston family. Unfortunately Samuel Marston drowned and Eleanor became a widow. The church records declare Eleanor Marston to be excommunicated in 1760, along with Robert Moorhouse. Four illegitimate children are thought to have ensued from this relationship but only Robert survived.
From Robert and his sons and grandsons four major lines of Marston families emerge, as shown below.
Overview of the Marston Family Tree
