Stiffkey towermill was built in 1836 for Felix Frankling according to a datestone set over one of the two doors in the base of the tower: F.&S.F. 1836. The new 5 storey red brick mill was built on the site of an earlier mill that was almost certainly a postmill. The mill had a boat shaped cap, patent sails and a fantail, which between them drove 2 pairs of 4 foot stones.

Baking Office to be Let and Entered upon at Michaelmas next

An old established Baking Office at STIFFKEY, 4 miles from each of the Ports of Wells and Blakeney.
A Hill where a windmill has stood many years about 100 yards from the Office may be had if required.
Enquire of Mr. John Allen, Stiffkey.
Norfolk Chronicle - 6th August 1836

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

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.

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

Bryant's map 1826: Mill (probably postmill)

1836: Mill built for Felix Frankling

Tithe Award 1841: Felix Frankling, owner and occupier

White's 1845: Felix and James Frankling, millers

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

Norwich Index of Wills 1857: FRANKLING, Felix, of Stiffkey, Norfolk, Miller & and Baker

1857: Mill worked by Samuel Frankling as tenant to Felix Frankling's trustees

1865: Samuel Frankling paid a first dividend to his creditors

1883: John Wall

1888-1896: James Robert Wall, miller and publican of Victoria Public House

1893: Mill and buildings offered for sale by auction at the Townsend Arms in Stiffkey, in the occupation of James Whall, Alfred Ringwood and Thomas Sutton

1900: James Robert Wall only listed as publican of Victoria Public House

1934: 2 storey roofless tower base remaining

19th May 1981: 1½ storey roofless tower base remaining

Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2004