The construction of Stiffkey watermill is so far unknown although it was probably made of brick and weatherboard. It was quite small and only ran two pairs of stones.

In the first volume of the Papers of Nathaniel Bacon he discusses in a letter to his father the possibility of building a mill with some of the money from the sale of property. He bemoans the fact that the other towns on the river Stiffkey all have watermills but Stiffkey does not. By 1579 there are estate books and accounts showing that Stiffkey by then had it's own mill.

The watermill was worked in conjunction with the towermill at the top of the hill and after Felix Frankling died in 1857 both mills were worked by Samuel Frankling as tenant to Felix Frankling's trustees, who charged Samuel a rent of £80 per annum. Samuel Frankling eventually made a Deed of Assignment to his creditors and paid a first dividend in March 1865.

Both the watermill and the windmill were advertised for sale on several occasions and in June 1865, were eventually offered for sale without reserve. However, as they still remained unsold, Charles Daniel Frankling
decided to become an annual tenant. He continued ran the business from 1872 until 1881, during which time the watermill ceased operation.

The watermill had ceased operation by 1881 and was put up for auction described as a three storey warehouse.

Valuable Freehold Estates.
To be sold by Public Auction by Mr. HOUGHTON at the Townshend Arms Inn, Stiffkey on Wednesday 25 November at 3 o'clock.
By order otf the Trustees for Sale under the Will of the late Mr. Felix Frankling, deceased.
Lot 1.
All that brick built TOWER_WINDMILL with patent sails driving two pairs of stones and Flour Mill with tackle and machinery complete.
Also Cottages...
Coal-House and Land...
Lot 2.
All that WATER CORN-MILL with two pairs of stones, flour mill, tackle and machinery complete.
Also Dwelling House, Chapel etc.
The above described property is in excellent repair.
Apply to Mr. Loynes, Solicitor or the Auctioneer, both of Wells.
Norfolk Chronicle - 28th October 1857

STIFFKEY near Wells, Norfolk
To be Sold by Auction by Mr. ROBERT SPICER
At the Lion Hotel, Fakenham, on Thursday 9 June, 1881 at 3 for 4 o'clock in the afternoon, a very desirable FREEHOLD ESTATE. In the occupation of Mr. Charles Franklyn
Comprising well erected Windmill, Bake Office with Flour Chamber over, Stable and Harness House with Loft over Waggon Lodge, Wood house and Yard, Piggeries and other premises.
DWELLING HOUSE…
COTTAGE…
WAREHOUSE of three storeys formerly used as a Water Mill. Adjoining the bake house and fronting the street is a Building now used as a Chapel, but capable of being converted into a cottage. At a short distance from the home premises is the substantially built brick TOWER_WIND MILL (five storeys) driving two pairs of 4 ft. stones, flour mill, patent sails, winds herself, with all her machinery and going gears. A small PIGHTLE OF LAND next the mill and a Stone and tiled SHED. The above valuable Freehold Property presents an excellent opportunity for a miller or merchant requiring business premises. The Tower_Mill which is situate in a fine corn district and within 4 miles of the port and railway station of Wells, stands well for wind. An excellent trade has been carried on for the past 60 years and upwards upon this property and it is capable of having the trade extended by applying steam power.
Possession can be had on the 6th July next.
Apply to the Auctioneer, Wells or to
Edward B. Loynes, Solicitor,
Wells, Norfolk.
Lynn Advertiser - 28th May 1881

c.1578: Nathaniel Bacon

Tithe award 1841: Felix Frankling. also Stiffkey towermill

c.July 1857: Felix Frankling died leaving the windmill and watermill to be sold by his trustees

Norwich Index of Wills 1857: Felix Frankling, miller & baker

25th November 1857: Mill for sale by auction (not sold)

1865: Samuel Frankling, tenant to trustees of Felix Frankling. Annual rent £80.00

June 1865: Mill for sale by auction, without reserve (not sold).

1872 - 1881: Charles Daniel Frankling, yearly tenant. Watermill ceased work during this period

9th June 1881: Mill for sale by auction, described as a three storey warehouse