Thatchers at work

Re-thatching is proceeding very fast, with several thatchers at work.

This old house, with its origins in the late 17th century, has a hipped roof. In other words, it has no gable ends and the entire roof is on a slope: an ideal configuration for thatching.  (It will probably have been thatched when new, as this was the least expensive method for roofing.)

The two thatchers to the right are working on the sloped ridge at a corner of the roof.  The positioning of the lead flashing (i e sheet of lead) on the chimney indicates the substantial depth of thatch which will be used.

The thatcher to the left is working on the main ridge of the house, but will only be able to complete this when the far side of the house has also been re-thatched.

For a radically different treatment of ridging a thatched building, I have uploaded an example in Normandy.  This is a supplementary photo and so will not appear at once.

The commentary below will serve as an introduction.

Maison des Marais, Marchesieux, Normandy

This is part of an 18th century farmhouse, now a museum and restored to its original configuration.

The roof is thatched.  (I don't recall seeing thatch elsewhere in France!) The top ridge is sealed by the traditional Norman method of using clay planted with sedums, which are extremely water retentive.

A fascinating site which will be enjoyed by children and adults alike.