Ready to sticky rock and roll with the holiday treat that spans generations

Wrapped in crunchy cellophane, and containing a grainy black and white photo — of Youghal or Bray, Brighton or Blackpool — this classic teeth-breaking sweet is still selling by the bucket load. In fact, the market is expanding, says Robert Hume, who has discovered some unusual details about this cheap and cheerful holiday gift

Rock hasn’t always come in sticks with letters

Pedlars sold small colourful squares of unwrapped rock at country fairgrounds in the early 19th century. This “fair rock” had no garish neon hues like today, and no lettering.