STIFFKEY, a parish in the northern division of the
hundred of GREENHOE, county of NORFOLK, 3 miles
(E.) from Wells, containing 350 inhabitants. The living
comprises the united rectories of St. John and St. Mary,
with the rectory of Morston annexed, in the archdeaconry
and diocese of Norwich rated in the king's
books at £25, and in the patronage of Marquis Townshend.
The old hall, having been in a state of dilapidation
for some years, is now used as a farm-house. It
was built, in 1604, by Sir Nicholas Bacon, Knt., Lord
Keeper of the Great Seal, and the west front, flanked
by two embrasured towers, still remains. To the westward
of the village is Warborough hill, on the summit
of which is a circular camp.