An account of Marston-on-Dove described it as a parish in the hundred of Appletree, county Derby, 6 miles N.W. of Burton-on-Trent, and 1 mile N.E. of Tutbury Junction railway station.

The parish, which is of small extent, is situated on the river Dove, near the North Staffordshire railway, and includes the hamlets of Hatton, Hilton, and Hoon. The inhabitants are chiefly engaged in agriculture