Stiffkey.

The small picturesque village of Stiffkey is set in a valley. Famous for its 'Stewkey Blues' (cockles) found on its salt marshes and for the vicar! Samphire (poor mans asparagus) can also be found growing on the marshes. Most of the houses are of brick and flint with pantiles, several going back to at least Tudor times, including Momforde's Tudor Cottage.

The hall was built by sir Nicholas Bacon, then keeper of the Privy seal to Elizabeth I. It had eight circular towers at the corners but was never completed. It is occupied now. The river was still tidal at that time and there may have been a harbour nearby.

The 15th century church is by the village green with the site of a second church in the churchyard. The village was home to Henry Williamson (Tarka the Otter) 1936-45. It is also well-known for the Vicar of Stiffkey.

The Stiffkey Marshes are National Trust and Stiffkey Fen is a fine private nature reserve.

Village hall: music twice a month. Antique and Lamp shop. Red Lion pub: 16th century brick and flint cottage - fresh fish, fire, pews, local beers and beer garden.

Historic Stiffkey.

Stiffkey Old Hall.
Built 1576-81 in a U-shape with long wings and 6 rounded towers in flint and brick, some moulded. Gatehouse 1604. The west range and part of the hall range survive as do the towers and gatehouse. It was much was damaged by fire in the 18th century. Terraced garden with 2 more round towers.

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