Thatch

Thatched Cottages at Gravesend, Albury

Historically the normal roofing material in the countryside and small villages would have been thatch. Because of the amount of wheat grown in Hertfordshire this would almost always be wheat straw. Thatch would regularly need replacing - but usually the new straw was laid over the old, so the result was excellent insulation. 

Therfield Church Gate - no publisher - circa 1910

Thatched Cottages at Braughing - posted 1917

Wilstone, Herts - posted 1904 - showing thatched barn.

If you can add to the information given above tell me.

Page updated August 2006