Thatched Roof Restoration
Preserving the authenticity of listed properties at Bowood Estate is fundamental for maintaining their historic and cultural importance.
An inspection and repairs programme introduced in the 1970s has ensured properties are refurbished to a high standard.
Conservation of traditional thatch is a privilege with stunningly attractive results.
The village of Sandy Lane on the A342 between Devizes and Chippenham, has a population of 70 people, and three quarters of the houses are thatched. Built from the 18th century onwards to house Bowood Estate employees, today Sandy Lane is a popular location for residents who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and horse riding and for tourists looking to experience the beauty of rural England. In 1975 it was designated as a conservation area.
Thatch has rich regional traditions that contribute to the local distinctiveness of vernacular buildings. In Sandy Lane, a strong sense of place has been achieved by using the same local materials and techniques.
The craftsmen who make and maintain thatched roofs are called Master Thatchers. Bowood Estate employs Martin Bills, a Master Thatcher from Charlton St. Peter, in the Vale of Pewsey in Wiltshire.
Aged thirty, Martin considers himself to be one of the youngest Master Thatchers in his trade. Starting aged sixteen producing combed reed wheat at Hilcott Farm in the Vale of Pewsey, he worked as an apprentice trainee for five years with Gary Sugg, a Master Thatcher from Bromham in Wiltshire. After completing his training, he set up his own company in 2021.
In keeping with conservation and subject to best practices, Bowood Estate instructed Martin to adopt authentic materials and methods for the work at Sandy Lane. The property was last thatched thirty years ago.
Using a ‘combed wheat reed’ method he selected two varieties of thatching straw. Triticale from Hilcott farm for the back of the roof and Maris Widgeon from Lacock for the front of the roof which can be seen from the road.
He estimates that he has used 1,200 bundles of straw weighing approximately seven kilogrammes each. An acre of wheat produces approximately 250 bundles. So this roof, which covers three terrace houses has required five acres worth of straw. Binding the straw he has used 15,000 hazel spars, handcrafted by spar makers in Westbury and Salisbury.
Understanding the properties of his material Martin treats his craft with respect. He feels that it is quite unlike any other construction job. To achieve a neat finish, he works slowly and methodically laying an average of twenty bundles a day.
The tools he uses which include leggetts to dress up the coatwork on the thatch, side pins to hold the thatch in position until a permanent fixing is made, and shears to neaten up loose ends and cut the edges out, would be familiar to thatchers from the past.
While uncovering the roof Martin discovered that some of the timbers, notably in the eaves, and the undercoat (the first layer of straw) were part of the original construction from the 18th century.
The most satisfying and challenging part of the work he said was thatching the block cut ridge on the top of the roof. Here he created a block skirt with a wrap over the apex secured with hazel liggers. He expects that the thatch he has laid will have a similar lifespan to the thatch that he has replaced.
At a time when environmentally friendly construction and cost-effective ways to keep houses warm in winter and cool in summer is of recognized importance, sustainable thatch is a sensible choice.
As demand for his work has increased Martin is booking clients two years ahead. However, he is concerned about the future of his craft. Not only are the number of trainees entering the industry declining but so are the number of spar makers and farmers that supply the decent quality, traditional materials he works with. Despite this he is doing all he can to promote his craft.
Summarizing the work at Sandy Lane he remarked this is a standout building which everyone who drives past can look at and see the craftmanship.
