Gallery
From reed bed to roof: The people behind Norfolk thatch through the years
Eric Edwards stacking bundles of reed at How Hill. Dated: 2000. - Credit: Archant Library
You don't have to travel far in Norfolk before you spot a building crowned with golden thatch.
These distinctive roofs have a rustic charm whether they feature on cottages, barns or even more modern buildings.
Mr A. Carman of Thorpe, a thatcher with A.E Farman and Son of Salhouse, working on the second of two pairs of council built cottages at the green in Kimberley. Date: February 15, 1962 - Credit: Archant Library
65-year-old marshman Mr Jack Wisken (in the boat) with his friend Mr Edwin Shingles harvests reeds on Colman’s marshes at Woodbastwick. The reeds were destined for thatching on Col. H Cator’s estate. Date: January 1949. - Credit: Archant Library
Each piece of architecture has a story to tell with a talented support cast of Norfolk thatchers, reed cutters and workers behind them.
Some of these skilled tradespeople are captured in these old photos from the EDP archives. Perhaps you recognise some of the faces.
Father and son Kenny and Ray Firman of Honing carry on the family tradition of making “brotches” for the thatching trade. They are splitting hazel wood (known as “nuttery”) which is used for ridging the thatched roofs. The shed they are working in had been in use for this and other wood crafts for over 100 years. Date: November 1980 - Credit: Archant Library
Master Thatcher Alan Wotherspoon thatching Filby Village Club. Date: June 24, 1998 - Credit: Archant Library
Did you know?
- The ridge of a thatched roof lasts roughly 15 years while the main reed part can last 60-70 years.
- An estimated 80% to 90% of the reed used in UK thatching comes from abroad.
- Historically, thatched roofs were popular because it was lighter than other options like slate or tiles - so walls did not have to be as thick or robust to bear its weight.
A fully mechanised reed cutting was being demonstrated at Ranworth to a party of thatchers from all over the country. Mr Francis Cator’s 150-acre reedbeds produced annually some 25,000 bundles for thatching. Date: 1971. - Credit: Archant Library
Reed being bundled up for export to America where it would be used for house thatching. The workmen were employed by Mr WR Farman, reed thatcher of North Walsham. Mr. D Cushion on the left of the picture was one of two thatchers travelling to America to do the thatching. Date: 1955. - Credit: Archant Library
Harvesting in the traditional way at Injun Farm, Aslacton, where wheat has been cut with a binder and is being "shocked" before being taken away and stacked to await "troshin" (threshing) next spring. The unbroken straw will then be used for thatching South Norfolk cottage roofs, Harry Mower (65) works at the farm and here he helps to shock the shoaves (or sheaves) of wheat to dry in the field. Date: August 3, 1981. - Credit: Archant Library
Waxham: Pictured taking a break from his thatching demonstration at Waxham Barn is thatcher Jonathan Cousins. Date: October 17, 1998 - Credit: Archant Library
Mr B Pegnall a Saxlingham thatcher working on the roof of the old school at Saxlingham Nethergate. Dated: April 22, 1953. - Credit: Archant Library
Bundles of reeds which will be used in America for thatching the Maine house of Miss Pamela Woolworth being tied up by employees of Mr W R Farman of North Walsham. Mr. D Cushion (left) is going to America. Date: August 9, 1955. - Credit: Archant Library
A thatcher perches on the ridge of a thatched cottage in Norfolk in the 1950s-1960s. - Credit: Archant Library
Large barn thatching job underway near Reepham at Grove Farm Barn, Booton. It is one of the last big barns to be fully thatched. On the left is Marcus Thompson and right is Alex Kelly at work. Date: July 23, 2008 - Credit: Archant Library
Another 1000 bundles of Norfolk reed for thatching houses in Suffolk, being loaded by the Norfolk Naturlist Trust at Hickling. Date: Februrary 10, 1989. - Credit: Archant Library
Two Norfolk thatchers at work in the 1950s. - Credit: Archant Library
A thatcher works on the ridge of a thatched property in Norfolk. Date: May 1950 - Credit: Archant Library
Stacking of the reed used in thatching. Date: February 1960 - Credit: Archant Library
Using iron reed hooks to hold a sway in position, Norwich. - Credit: Archant Library
