Stiffkey, Norfolk, England
The Domesday book records Stiffkey as Stivecai, which means ‘island of tree stumps’. This is thought to relate to the remains of an ancient wooden structure dating back 8,000 years, that was found on the marsh. Stiffkey (pronounced "Stewkey") is one of the few coastal villages in Norfolk that has no tradition as a port, of fishing, nor more recently as a base for yachtsmen. However, it does have a reputation for its cockles, and bait-diggers have long used its expanse of seashore beyond the salt marsh. But it is the salt marsh that is its glory, accessed from footpaths off the coast road. Under the care of the National Trust, summer brings to it a riot of colour. At the east end of the village is its church, St. John the Baptist, while in the churchyard is the remains of St. Mary's. Just the round tower remains. The tower, nave and chancel of St. John's are late 13th century / early 14th century, though the chancel was largely restored in 1848. Back from the church is the 16th-century Stiffkey Hall.