close Toad Rock was first popularized in a local guide in 1810 and named about 1820. It was fenced and the base strengthened with masonry in 1881—82. Before geologists were able to explain its origin, it aroused much speculation, including the idea that it was possibly man made. Some 19th century observers believed that it was 'the remains of an ancient sphinx', and as late as 1933 H. G. Wells referred to this idea in his novel Christina Alberta's Father. The Toad and other outcrops were in fact eroded into their present forms by wind action during the last Ice Age (around 1 million years ago). The area of the "Denny Bottom Rocks" with the "Toad", "Loaf", "Lion", "Parson's Nose" (also named "Old Man's Head", re-named "Pulpit") was designated a geological "Site of Special Scientific Interest" in 1992. [View from Harmony Street.]