The Popping Stone around 1860, showing the old shape. This image comes from the same family album as the one with the Victorian ladies sitting on it, which is clearly dated 1861. The photographer, Pettit, is known to have been operating at this time.
Photograph of the Popping Stone scanned from a Victorian family album. Under the photo is written “The Popping Stone, Gilsland, 31st August 1861”. This shows the old shape, and confirms that the stone was a) named and b) popular at the time when major redevelopment took place at Gilsland Spa.
Old photo, probably c1900, giving a view from the “back” of the Popping Stone (centre right) showing two large hawthorn trees beyond, one of which must be the Kissing Bush (now defunct). The death of the Kissing Bush has very sad implications for the survival of the Romantic Movement.
Photograph dated to around 1870, showing the old shape of the Popping Stone (and a lovely lady). Note that the gentleman is sitting on the highest part of the stone, an area which is recessed on the stone today.
Old postcard, date unknown, showing people in Victorian dress at the Popping Stone. The Stone is a totally different shape from today, suggesting that it has been reshaped.
Close-up of one of the bulges on the upper surface of the main stone, showing possible peck-marks.
A view of the space between the main stone and the daughters. This appears to be much wider than in old photos, the smaller stones having subsided, possibly due to undermining by flood water. The smaller stones appear to fit into hollows in the larger stone.
A scan of an amateur photo-postcard postmarked 1910. This is one of the best old images of the re-shaped stones, as it is apparently unretouched and shows a lot more detail than is visible today. A spate appears to have washed away sediment around the base, exposing the underneath, and the stones are unencumbered by vegetation.