In 1871 a quarry in Barrow-in-Furness broke into what was to be named Stainton Cavern. The cave became well known locally and several explorations by different groups and individuals were made. Of these, Thomas Cock and others propounded a theory for formation of the cave by water, whilst the geologist John Bolton countered it with one involving earthquakes. The resulting discussions of these early British theories of speleogenesis and the previously unreferenced explorations of the cave are given in detail. These explorations were some of the earliest examinations of a British cave, based upon several visits made for the purpose of discovery as well as science, to be published in detail. Background information about the pioneers, in particular John Bolton, is included.